﹒W123 fresh from South Africa

﹒Extremely rare 280E manual

﹒Superb MB Tex upholstery

﹒Factory air con and sunroof

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 cab still plying its trade at an African rank, enjoying a second life after clocking up its first trip to the moon and back in Europe.

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. Between 1975 and 1986, 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. Comfort, quality and engineering were at the fore, along with a prestige and historic badge that was as old as the motor car itself.

And 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.

All W123s feel special – even glacially slow 200D taxi-spec models with vinyl trim and barely any standard equipment. But this one is especially interesting. It’s a one-owner from new car freshy imported from South Africa. It’s also a 280E, and that means it’s the most powerful iteration of the W123, with 141bhp from its 2,746cc in-line six. This is about as sporting as the W123 could get, too, with a four-speed manual transmission to match the more powerful engine instead of the more commonly found automatic. 

It’s also delightfully original, with factory white paint, fully functioning air conditioning and blue MB-Tex upholstery in exceptional order.

There is some paperwork with the car that backs up its one-owner history and an owners’ manual, but sadly not reams and reams of paperwork. The car was owned from new until earlier this year by a South African family, who used it a second car and maintained it in excellent condition. 

The seller has advised us he will give the vehicle a fresh MoT once the auction ends. All import papers have been completed but as of yet the car hasn’t been registered.

Of the interior colours offered on the W123, blue is one of the most desirable and looks fabulous alongside this car’s white paintwork, with Mercedes’s trademarked MB-Tex leather-style vinyl upholstery on both the seats and the door cards.

It’s extremely well-presented with no notable wear or damage, while the air con works perfectly. Look closely and you’ll observe some scuff marks on the driver’s seat bolster, but for a 35-year old car the cabin really is superb and is one of this example’s most appealing features. W123s are renowned for soldiering on, but the interiors often show their age. This one feels lovely and fresh.

The car also comes with a full factory first aid kit in the rear deck panel.

The 280E looks fantastic in its original white paint, which has held up well to a life in sunnier climes with very little in the way of damage or bleaching. Indeed, it looks fabulous from every angle, while the iconic Mercedes-Benz ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels mark it out as a high specification model. 

In addition to its original steel sunroof, new tyres and clean chrome further enhance its overall appearance. The inner wings and rear wheel arches – both common W123 grot-spots, are excellent.

It also features a two bar with twin electrics.

With 141,000km on the clock (about 87,000 miles), the 280E is barely run-in. It also features the rare option of factory cruise control, making it an ideal long-distance classic. 

It has received a full mechanical check-over and oil service prior to being offered for sale.

The steering and suspension all appear to operate as intended, and the brake pedal feels firm and responsive.

There are many things that make this car stand out from some of the more ordinary W123s on the market. The first is the unusual spec – most 280Es were automatic; this one is a rare manual and is therefore about as performance-oriented as the car got. 

Add in the factory air con, sunroof, cruise control and that beguiling blue interior and you have a car that’s enchanting from every perspective. With barely any mileage – especially by W123 standards – it’s a lovely car and one that promises to be a sound future investment to boot.

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