Highlights
- Very tidy Apricot Orange with Palomino fabric interior
- Economical 80bhp 3L diesel engine with 4spd manual box
- Nicely specified with sunroof and ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys
- UK registered and MOT and tax exempt by age
- Recent 200 mile trip completed without issue
The Appeal
Look up the word ‘bulletproof’ in the dictionary and chances are they’re be a picture of this car - Mercedes’ virtually unburstable W123 300D. It’s no wonder these ultra-reliable cars have been staples of taxi ranks around the world since their 1980s heyday.
Those qualities of economy and reliability make this 1979 300D a canny classic choice. It’s a stand-out example in rare Apricot Orange with a well-preserved Palomino fabric interior. The specification will appeal to enthusiasts too - rear headrests, sliding steel sunroof and those ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys.
We’re told that the car lived in Switzerland until 2025 when it arrived in the UK. The current keeper is the car’s second in the UK and tells us that he has covered 1,000 miles since buying it. That includes a recent 200-mile trip during which the car performed faultlessly. A great chance to discover the W123 without the fuel penalty of the petrol models.
The vendor says:
“This car has been a joy to drive and own. I have probably covered over 1000 miles in it myself, recently a 200+ mile round trip in the sunshine, felt good, looked good and drove great. Engine looks to have had a lot of work done as everything functions as it should. Cruise at motorway speeds with ease, economical and very comfortable. No abnormalities to note.
“A pleasure and an honour to drive and own. A lot of attention and bringing smiles to everyone who sees it! A rare sight being a LHD 300D. Every time I drive it, I feel like I am on holiday in the sun!”
Key Information
- Mileage: 181,617 miles indicated; the odometer is currently inoperative and the vendor estimates the true figure to be approximately 185,000 miles
- Country of original registration: Switzerland (now UK-registered)
- Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
- Technical specs: 80bhp 2,998cc 5-cylinder diesel, 4-speed manual
- Paperwork: Datacard present confirming Swiss-market origin
The Detail
- Originally supplied to the Swiss market we are told
- Resprayed in factory correct Apricot Orange
- Vendor reports no major marks or dents
- We are told the bumpers and panels all looking very presentable
- Sunroof works but is stiff due to a sunroof spoiler/shade being fitted
- Tidy Palomino fabric interior with front and rear headrests
- Minor patch on the dashboard near the ignition barrel
- Vendor describes the interior as being in very good order overall
- Engine appears to have had significant work carried out according to seller
- Vendor reports no financial issues
- Current owner has covered over 1,000 miles, including a recent 200+ mile round trip
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