Freshly imported from South Africa and ready to register
THE APPEAL
The Mercedes-Benz W123 is an enduring legend in more ways than one. Not only did it enjoy a long production run, but the over-engineered and sturdy saloon was one of the best-engineered cars of all time – if not THE best.
There are survivors the world over, because the W123 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 engineered like no car before or since and subtly, unobtrusively stylish at the same time.
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 – but perhaps more interesting is the specification. It’s a six-cylinder 280 – the flagship – but equipped with manual transmission, whereas the vast majority of 123s were automatic.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Imported from South Africa in January 2023
South African registration document
Direct from dry climate of Gauteng Province
All NOVA and import paperwork complete
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.
Will come with a new MOT upon sale
162,000km – around 100,000 miles
THE INTERIOR
Smart blue MB-Tex leather upholstery with barely any wear
Original first aid kit and tool kit
Wonderful (and highly collectable) Becker Monza radio-cassette player in working order
Spotless headlining
Very good door trims
Original Mercedes-Benz blue rubber mats
Electric sunroof in good working order
Electric windows
Power steering model
No cracks or damage to dash vinyl or veneers – it’s superb inside for a hot climate car
THE EXTERIOR
Astral Silver
Superb underneath – never welded
Very well-presented car with mostly original paint
All good chrome and exterior trim
Original Mercedes-Benz painted wheel trims
No damage to glass or light lenses
One small area of faded paint to NSR door
Good chrome and trim
Decent Michelin tyres all-round
THE MECHANICS
2.8-litre six-cylinder engine
182bhp
Official figures quote 0-60mph in 9.9 secs and 124mph top speed
Four-speed manual transmission
Starts and runs well
Will be fully serviced and checked over before sale
SUMMARY
This is a fabulous example of one of Mercedes-Benz’s all-time legends, ready to register, use and enjoy.
It’s presented in superb condition, drives well and feel as wonderfully engineered now as it did when it was new, with the added advantage of the best engine and the most upmarket trim. A rot-free W123 is a thing to cherish. a 280 manual in such lovely overall order, even more so.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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
1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 (W123)
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