Highlights

Very smart, original and unmodified W123 saloon
Extensively restored with comprehensive documentation
Over £26,000 invested since 2018
Recently fully ceramic coated with Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra
Recent work including rear subframe welding and suspension overhaul
Steering rack replaced, gearbox refurbished and new clutch
Long MOT to March 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

This lovely W123 is a timely reminder of just how handsome and durable these stately saloons are. Its enthusiast keeper has not spared on the investment, the work since his purchase in 2018 covering bodywork, mechanicals and the structure in equal measure.

The result is a very, very good example of these much-admired cars. It is really too good for daily duties, but certainly rugged and reliable enough to do just that. Finished in Deep Blue with a beige interior, its factory specification includes a big sunroof and Zebrano wood veneers.

The list of recent improvements is extensive and totals over £26,000 since 2018. Two main areas with these cars - window seals and steering rack - have been improved, giving the car the looks to match the way it drives. A recent full ceramic coating has preserved the paintwork. The mechanicals benefit from a full gearbox rebuild, new clutch, that steering rack and a stainless steel exhaust system. Underneath the subframes have been overhauled and the suspension fettled.

This stylish, practical saloon drives as well as it looks. A long MOT to March 2025 with no advisories underlines the condition.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 13th March 1985
Factory built in January 1985
Only seven registered keepers from new
Current keeper since June 2018
HPI clear
Extensive restoration and maintenance history
Full history of all work completed and general servicing
Photographic record of restoration work
Vast history file shown in photos and summarised below
MOT to 21st March 1985 with no advisories
Eligible for Historic Vehicle status from 1st April 2026

Summary of work:

April 2018: Brake lines, calliper, and associated work - £788
April - June 2018: Engine service, timing, and carb reworking - ~£800
August 2018: Ball joints, speedo cable, engine mount, cosmetics - £1,464
November 2018: Bodywork repairs, new wheel arches rear, new front wings, renewed bumper mounts, rear window rot repair - £6,240
November 2018: Ceramic coating to paintwork - £845
March 2019: Brake callipers replaced - £310
April 2019: Replaced fuel pipe work and large engine service - £946
July 2019: Rear subframe welding, replace rear suspension arms, replace rear driveshafts - £4,691
March 2020: Replace steering box - £850
June 2020: Fit stainless steel exhaust system - £600
September 2020: Replace window regulator and replace missing door check strap - £520
December 2020: Recondition gearbox, diff seal, and prop rubber bearings - £2,124
August 2021: Inner sill fix and retro fix rear window seal - £1,000
March 2022: Trim tweaks - £234
October 2022: New clutch - £700

The Condition

Factory correct Deep Blue (900U) in very good condition with recent ceramic coating
Paintwork presents very well with few signs of age
Due to originality some light signs of age should be expected
Bodywork extensively restored, including new front wing and rear wheel arches
Bodywork presents very well with only minor points to note in photographs
Factory steel wheels in good condition with body colour hub caps
WIndow seals recently renewed to preserve the car’s structure
Beige fabric (055) interior is original and well preserved condition
Specification includes big steel electric sunroof and Zebrano wood veneers
Interior is well kept with only light signs of use to note due to originality
We are informed that all the electrics work correctly except the electric aerial
Radio and CD player functional, though reception may vary
Electric sunroof and pneumatic central locking recently repaired and working correctly
Window mechanisms replaced or renewed where needed
No structural advisories on current MOT

The Mechanics

1,997cc 4cyl carburettor-fed engine
5-speed manual transmission
Thick history file with £26,000 spent since 2018
Stainless steel exhaust system fitted
Refurbished gearbox
New front and rear knuckle joints on the prop shaft
Differential seal kit fitted
Rear subframe welding and complete rear suspension overhaul
Steering rack replaced with a remanufactured part
Recent major engine service and carburettor renewing kit fitted
New clutch installed in October 2022
No reported running or driving issues
No mechanical advisories on current MOT
April 2023 front suspension work and new shock absorbers - £1,150
August 2023 front suspension ball joints - £464
July 2024 driveshaft & reengineer prop shaft - £2,187

The vendor tells us:

“In my opinion it is the perfect daily classic car to own. Modern enough so that it doesn't feel like an old tractor to drive, yet classic enough that everyone comments on how good it looks. Always great to hear people recount their stories of a loved one owning one in the past.

Probably the best over engineered car Mercedes made and will keep going for 100s of thousands more miles and probably over a million. I use it less and less. Rather than wait for it to appreciate more I decided it's time to move on. Such a pleasant car to drive and own.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]