I am regretfully selling my W123 200T estate (the estates were actually designated S123). I have had it since March 2020 and have done several 500-mile trips in it; it has never let me down. Until 2017 it had only had three owners who all knew each other, and the last has left a full history and most of his bills. It has a recent MOT, despite this not being mandatory, and it is tax- and ULEZ-exempt.
When I first acquired it I had new front wings and valance fitted; new rear wheel arches were welded in and you can’t see the join; the sills and underneath were welded, i. e. new metal welded in not just plated over, and undersealed. This cost almost as much as I paid for the car! Since then it has had a replacement fuel tank, also undersealed, new cam-chain, new windscreen seal so it shouldn’t leak into the scuttle, new self-levelling suspension pipes and cv boots.
Within the last ten years the previous owners have fitted a stainless-steel exhaust system, re-upholstered the driver’s seat, both of which would have cost over £1000, reconditioned steering box, new radiator, and the carburettor has been serviced.
I have acquired a spare rear window and side windows which would probably be worth £1000 if bought individually, and I have other spares, all of which I would include.
The main negative is some rust along the front of the bonnet, which as the photos show is only visible close up. I have stopped this with Kurust, and it is not getting worse and there is no rust around the hinges. However I would suggest that as with any classic you only consider it if you can keep it under cover. The interior is acceptable but some beading is worn. The number plate would be worth at least £1000 if you were to sell it.
Classic Mercedes magazine suggests a value of £10K-£40K for these vehicles, where the lower figure is for one that is “complete and running”, which this certainly is.
Turns heads! To drive it is like driving your armchair; but you can easily forget that you are in a 42 year-old car.
