There are some cars that are enduring legends, renowned for one particular trait that stands head and shoulders above any other.
In the case of the Mercedes-Benz W123, that trait was (and still is) enduring quality – a car known throughout the world for its astonishing longevity and exquisite build quality, be it as a two-door boulevard cruiser with a smooth six-cylinder engine, a versatile family wagon or a million-plus kilometre taxi still plying its trade.
The W123, you see, is just one of those cars that’s built to take it. Be that as an endurance rally car, working vehicle, family transport or long-distance cruiser, wonderfully over-engineered like no car before or since and subtly, unobtrusively stylish at the same time.
It was, quite simply, one of the best cars in the world – if not the best in terms of build quality. It didn’t matter that it was dynamically quite ordinary, for here was a car that was an absolute legend in other areas, with a prestige and historic badge as old as the motor car itself.
It’s those very traits that make the W123 as desirable today as it was back then. This one, freshly imported from South Arica, is remarkably fresh and looks ready for anything. It’s an entry level 200 – the most popular of the 123s – and has covered 167,725km, or just over 104,000 miles, having been owned by one family from new in South Africa.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Imported from South Africa in November 2022
Original handbook
Becker radio manual
Service book showing car was originally supplied by New Vaal Motors of Vereeniging, Gauteng Province
All NOVA and import paperwork complete
South African registration document
Requires first registration with DVLA – a straightforward process. The vendor is former South African resident and is more than happy to assist with the registration process.
Tax and MOT exempt
THE INTERIOR
Smart beige leatherette upholstery with barely any wear
Original first aid kit and tool kit
Wonderful (and highly collectable) Becker Monza radio-cassette player
Spotless headlining
Very good door trims
Driver’s side door pocket damaged/in need of replacement
Original Mercedes-Benz rubber mats
THE EXTERIOR
Arctic White
Superb underneath
Very well-presented car with mostly original paint
All good chrome and exterior trim
One door handle is a bit loose
Original Mercedes-Benz painted wheel trims
No damage to glass or light lenses
Small dents in rear doors will be smart repaired before sale concludes
THE MECHANICS
2.0-litre four-cylinder engine
108bhp
Three-speed auto transmission
Holds its own in modern traffic
Drives very well, with smooth gear changes and strong oil pressure
No untoward noises from steering or suspension
SUMMARY
This is a great, fresh-looking example of a Mercedes-Benz legend, ready to register, use and enjoy. It’s in remarkable condition, drives very well indeed and feel as wonderfully put together now as it did when it was new.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1982 Mercedes-Benz 200 (W123)
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
