Beschreibung
HIGHLIGHTS
• Restored to its former glory
• Superb condition inside and out
• Ready to show or be used
• Please email for further photographs of car and restoration
THE BACKGROUND
Manufactured in 1983, this beautiful ‘T-wagon’ features the last round of revisions made to the W123 (making it a ‘third series’) and is powered by the fuel injected M102 2. 3 litre four cylinder engine which produces 136PS and drives the rear wheels via a fully reconditioned four speed automatic gearbox. As an estate it also has self-levelling rear suspension. Following restoration, this car was featured in Classic Mercedes Magazine in 2018 when, Marc Cosovich, well known W123 restorer and co-author of a book on the topic, estimated that there were only around 20 such examples in the country that didn’t need restoration. This is a rare example.
THE HISTORY
The V5 shows three previous owners but the first two were a married couple who owned the car from new until 2014, with ownership originally under the husband’s name and transferred to his wife following his death. It remained in the Manchester area throughout and, during the latter stages of the couple’s ownership, it is believed to have been dry stored before passing to a horologist in the Lake District. He arranged for restoration of the car by W123 World, with most effort going into the suspension, transmission and engine. Since then it’s covered fewer than 10k miles.
I have always kept the car garaged and under an indoor cover, which is included in the sale.
THE PAPERWORK
This car received an extensive review in the Winter 2018 edition of Classic Mercedes Magazine on a run to the Penderyn whiskey distillery. It was written by Martin Buckley who also co-authored the book ‘Mercedes-Benz W123, The Finest Saloon Car of the 20th Century’ with the restorer, Marc Cosovich. Copies of both the magazine and the book are included in the sale, as is the history file with a log of the restoration and photos that show the underside of the car looking as-new. The owner's workshop manual and service book are both present and the latter shows 22 main dealer stamps and one independent. The delivery letter from Mercedes to the original owner is also present.
Online MOT records show a clean sheet since 2013 and that any advisories prior to that were swiftly dealt with. The most recent test was carried out on 3 March 2021 with no advisories.
THE INTERIOR
Contrasting beautifully with the bright red paintwork, the black MB-Tex interior is in great condition as is a recently renewed light headlining. The seat fabric is famously resilient and aside from a small mark on the passenger seat (which isn’t really noticeable unless pointed out) the seats are all unmarked aside from a tiny nick on the back of the nearside rear seat headrest. The carpets and overmats look as new and the fixtures and fittings are all in great condition.
The wood inserts on the dash are all present and correct and the sunroof operates smoothly. There is a Becker stereo fitted and whilst the radio gives good sound (manual tuning), the cassette head will need a bit of attention if you have still have a tape collection you'd like enjoy! All of the other switches and buttons function exactly as they should.
The generous-sized boot is also very clean with only a small area of discolouration between the seat backs and the lift-up floor. The original Mercedes branded tool kit, first aid kit and warning triangle are present and an unused spare wheel is concealed behind a panel on the left hand side. Given its blue hue, I don’t believe that the boot cover with pull up netting is original to the car, but it all fits perfectly. In all, a couple of points to trouble the concours judges, but to the untrained eye there’s very little sign of any wear.
THE EXTERIOR
It’s no exaggeration to say that the exterior is absolutely stunning. The paintwork has a deep lustrous shine and there are no stone chips or other signs of use (including, it should be said, the wheel arches, which are still very clean). The chrome work and window seals (so often an area that lets down the appearance of a freshly restored car) are in great condition, the wheels look superb and wear a fresh set of correct Michelins. The panels are straight, the lights are clear and free from condensation and the underside is very clean. The car comes with an original T-wagon roof rack which is a lovely retro addition.
THE MECHANICS
The lovely condition of the exterior extends to the engine bay where, although there are more expected signs of actual usage, it still presents very well with a fresh lining and heat shield adorning the underside of the bonnet and plenty of newly replaced original Mercedes parts. It fires up first time and runs very sweetly and, although it’s unlikely to win many drag races, the engine pulls strongly enough to keep up with modern traffic up to and including at motorway speeds.
On the road, it’s notable for the excellent ride quality and the smoothness of the gear change from the reconditioned auto box. The brakes are also very effective. Although this car was not specified with the anti-lock brake option, the servo assisted brakes on discs all round mean that it stops very well and in a straight line.
THE APPEAL
Values of cars in this condition have been on the up for quite a while. This car has already had all the hard work taken care of and is ready to go. So, if you’re looking for a stylish and hugely practical retro classic then here’s one that will fit the bill. In its present condition, it might even win some show awards.
SUMMARY
Signal Red, Automatic, 2, 299cc, self levelling suspension, black MB-Tex interior, black carpets and trim, Becker radio, all round electric windows, central locking, manually operated sunroof, full length W123 curved roof rack, matching signal red steel wheel caps, 3-rear head rests, rear seat belts, 60:40 split rear seats, luggage cover/ cargo net, two sets of keys, lockable fuel cap, full set of every day and 'show' floor mats and indoor car cover. 5 correct Michelin 195x 70 x14 tyres.
DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF RESTORATION WORK UNDERTAKEN BY W123 WORLD
1. Steel sliding sunroof/ all headlinings/ interior trim, Inc collapsed driver's seat, restore, and refit.
2. Remove Delaminated front screen/ refit with new/ and new gasket, examine for water ingress and rectify.
3. Remove complete braking system/ front/ rear suspension/ fuel tank and pump, all fuel/ brake/ S. L. S. suspension.
4. Remove Axles/ propshaft/ Auto Gearbox (For service/ inspection by MB specialist) Rear subframes/ Front Axles, for restoration.
5. Steam/ bead blast all suspension components for Satin Black powder coating.
6. Clean out fuel tank/ restore ready for re fit.
7. Remove Non original exhaust system, refit with correct M. B/ Eberspacher items. (With all new hangers)
8. Clean floor pan of vehicle/ remove any corrosion, apply professional rust inhibitor./ apply correct underbody protective coating.
9. Clean sills/ jacking points/ carry out any repairs required, paint sills correct graphite colour/ Inject protective wax/ fit sill plugs.
10. Remove/ clean inner front wing liners/ refit after cleaning with new fittings/ wax applies to all box sections / inner wing cavities.
11. Remove/ restore all 5 steel road wheels/ powder coater satin black fit 5 correct Michelin 195x 70 x14 tyres.
12. Repaint/ restore/ replace as required 4 chrome Wheel embellishers.
13 Fit complete new braking system, 4 calipers/ hoses, New Master cylinder. Discs/ pads, handbrake shoes/ cables/ new fluid.
14. Refit S. L. S. Suspension system. with all new components/ Nitro spheres, Dampers/ control valve/ all fittings/ pipes and hoses.
15. Replace both front shock absorbers, and steering damper./ Steering box to adjust
16. Replace damaged, front suspension drag links, (Re-track vehicle on laser equipment)
17. Service/ replace Auto gearbox. (Replace as required all fittings/ couplings)
18. Restore engine bay,> Replace, Auto Radiator/ hoses, all hose clips/ V belts, Fit new cam chain fully service/ tune motor.
19. Fit correct new M. B. Battery,(Motor has been run/ tested and shows good oil pressure) ( Restore/ tray/ airbox, all metal pipework)
20. Fit new bonnet release cable/ new Roof aerial,
21. Examine Central locking system, fit new parts as required.
22. Remove/ replace damaged dashboard/ check faulty heating system/ ventilation.
23. Remove broken driver's door check, (Required welding) replace / refit.
24. Source/ refit damaged tailgate inner lock.
25. Paintwork defects to be addressed by our paintshop, Rear passenger door scratched/ under front bonnet/ front lower apron.
26. Clean and remove all ancillaries remove cylinder head to specialist engineering Workshop for refacing and removal of Camshaft valves/ guides/ springs/ seals. All fully overhauled, new guides/ seals fitted valves cut into place re-sealed pressure tested.
27. Refit Cylinder head with new gaskets/ cyl head bolts/ exhaust stud bolts/ copper expansion nuts/ washers . Fit new seal to hydraulic pump. Fit new set of Spark plugs.
28. Flush engine block/ radiator, fit new Thermostat, Replace Temp sender. Fit new Oil filter
29. Fit new exhaust down pipe gasket/ bolts
