Highlights
- Stunning condition in Blue Green Metallic
- Pebble Beige MB-Tex leather interior
- Just 4 owners
The Appeal
If you are looking for a W123 Series Mercedes then there are usually a few about to choose from. However, there are few that are as nice as this example. First registered in March 1981 it still carries its original TH Bennett dealer sticker in the rear window. With only 4 owners in 41 years, each of whom have obviously taken good care of the Mercedes with regular maintenance and servicing, it is in exceptional condition both inside and out.
The exterior paint colour is particularly attractive, and matches the light beige interior beautifully. You can see in the photographs that this combination looks just right and lifts the Mercedes above others with more common colours.
The seller is reluctantly selling to help pay for the restoration of his E Type which is costing more than expected ( doesn’t it always ! )
History and Paperwork
- First registered March 1981
- Supplied by TH Bennett Mercedes of Blackpool
- 2.8 litre straight six with four speed Automatic gearbox
- Just 4 owners in 41 years
- Service history book with 20 stamps to 122,000 miles
- Further 5 stamps for brake fluid change and inspection
- Services performed by T H Bennett and Speeds of Blackpool
- MoT with no advisories valid until 15th July 2022
- Recommissioned in 2022 after long terms
- Injectors, warm up regulator and fuel distributor replaced September 2021 costing £985
- Owners pack with manual and all books
- Original First Aid kit present
The Interior
- MB-Tex Leather interior
- Light tan matching carpets
- Excellent condition for its age
Opening the door of the Mercedes reveals an interior that contradicts its age.
The Gravel Pebble Beige (135) colour gives the interior a light feel, and complements the exterior paint perfectly. The matching carpets are clean and tidy with no areas of wear.
There is some discolouration around the driver’s footrest but apart from that the carpets are very nice both in the front and rear of the cabin.
The MB-Tex faux leather seat material is very durable material and this is a great example. You could be forgiven for thinking they were just a few years old, not over 40!
With barely a mark anywhere and very little creasing they are exceptional. The headlining is clean and taut with no staining around the sun visors. The sunroof operates correctly, sliding back nicely bringing more light into the already bright interior.
The Gravel Pebble Beige (135) colour gives the interior a light feel, and complements the exterior paint perfectly. The matching carpets are clean and tidy with no areas of wear.
There is some discolouration around the driver’s footrest but apart from that the carpets are very nice both in the front and rear of the cabin.
The MB-Tex faux leather seat material is very durable material and this is a great example. You could be forgiven for thinking they were just a few years old, not over 40!
With barely a mark anywhere and very little creasing they are exceptional. The headlining is clean and taut with no staining around the sun visors. The sunroof operates correctly, sliding back nicely bringing more light into the already bright interior.
The dash area is smart, mainly black with wood inserts. The dash top is clean with no cracks or sun damage and the dash instruments are clear and tidy and all appear to function correctly.
The heated rear window switch is missing the glass insert ( as can be seen in the photos ) but is operational.
There is a Pioneer CD/Radio fitted, with an additional front/rear fader control mounted on the centre console behind the gear selector. There are speakers on the rear parcel shelf along with the Mercedes first Aid kit.
The sill areas are all surprisingly unmarked, with just a little age related damage to the chrome plastic inserts. The door panels are all clean and presentable.
The heated rear window switch is missing the glass insert ( as can be seen in the photos ) but is operational.
There is a Pioneer CD/Radio fitted, with an additional front/rear fader control mounted on the centre console behind the gear selector. There are speakers on the rear parcel shelf along with the Mercedes first Aid kit.
The sill areas are all surprisingly unmarked, with just a little age related damage to the chrome plastic inserts. The door panels are all clean and presentable.
In the boot everything is as tidy as the interior with unmarked grey carpet, the black plastic panels on either side that have a few scuff marks but no cracks or damage.
Beneath the boot floor the spare wheel is present along with the jack and wheel brace.
Beneath the boot floor the spare wheel is present along with the jack and wheel brace.
Overall we think the interior is most impressive, showing little of the age related damage you would expect on a 40 year old car.
The Exterior
- Striking Blue Green Metallic paint
- Excellent panel fit and consistent shutlines
- Smart and tidy chrome
The Blue Green Metallic (877) paint on this Mercedes was quite a rare option.
Also referred to as Petrol Blue it is a particularly attractive colour, and suits the Mercedes with its thin pillars and plentiful glass. The paint finish is excellent across the whole car with barely a mark to be found.
We think it may have repainted at some stage to be this good, but there is nothing in the history file that would confirm this.
Also referred to as Petrol Blue it is a particularly attractive colour, and suits the Mercedes with its thin pillars and plentiful glass. The paint finish is excellent across the whole car with barely a mark to be found.
We think it may have repainted at some stage to be this good, but there is nothing in the history file that would confirm this.
The wheels are all correct Mercedes steel 14 inch rims with the large colour matched hubcaps. All the hubcaps are in good condition with no scrapes. One has a little area where the paint has flaked away near the centre, but the chrome rims are all intact and undented.
The tyres all have plenty of tread remaining.
The tyres all have plenty of tread remaining.
The chrome parts are all exceptionally nice as are the bumpers with only a few minor marks on the black rubber areas. The glass is all good, including the headlights and tail lamps with no chips or cracks.
The panel fit is consistent all around the car and the side strips and other trim parts all line up correctly along the flanks.
The doors open without any droop, and close in a reassuring way that Mercedes has perfected and others try to emulate. All in the entire exterior is exceptionally smart for a car of its age.
The doors open without any droop, and close in a reassuring way that Mercedes has perfected and others try to emulate. All in the entire exterior is exceptionally smart for a car of its age.
The Mechanics
- Drives beautifully
- Recent expense on the fuel system
- New exhaust
Opening the bonnet reveals what appears to be a completely original engine bay.
There is a little grime here and there as you might expect, but nothing looks out of place, and no sign of incorrect parts. The seller tells us that the car drives extremely well with only a creak from the offside front suspension – we suspect that a little grease in the right place will quickly cure this.
The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and the ride is comfortable. The 2.8 litre straight six runs sweetly with plenty of power when required.
There was some remedial work carried out to the fuel injection system in 2021, probably the result of old fuel clogging the injectors, and it appears that a new exhaust was installed recently although there isn’t an invoice on file for it.
There is a little grime here and there as you might expect, but nothing looks out of place, and no sign of incorrect parts. The seller tells us that the car drives extremely well with only a creak from the offside front suspension – we suspect that a little grease in the right place will quickly cure this.
The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and the ride is comfortable. The 2.8 litre straight six runs sweetly with plenty of power when required.
There was some remedial work carried out to the fuel injection system in 2021, probably the result of old fuel clogging the injectors, and it appears that a new exhaust was installed recently although there isn’t an invoice on file for it.
By the standards of most W123 series this example is barely run-in and with a reputation for reliability few can match we think there should be little do apart from regular maintenance.
Summary
This is a particularly lovely example in an attractive and unusual colour, with relatively low mileage and few owners.
Attracting admiring glances from passers-by during the photo session, the overall condition is quite exceptional.
Attracting admiring glances from passers-by during the photo session, the overall condition is quite exceptional.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
