Introduced in 1976, the W123 series was notable as providing the basis for Mercedes-Benz's first factory-built estate car, the 280 TE, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1977. With the T standing for Tourismus und Transport (Touring), and the E for Einspritzung (fuel injection), the 280TE became one of the most highly regarded load-luggers you could buy.
With the Mercedes three pointed star on the bonnet as a sign of quality and dependability it was a big seller worldwide, and is easily capable of interplanetary mileages. Special features of the estate version included a strengthened rear chassis and tailgate, and hydraulic self-levelling rear suspension.
Imported into the UK from South Africa earlier this year it was first registered UK in November 2021. Thought to have been supplied new in South Africa in 1982 it is, of course in right hand drive form and has clearly benefited from a life led in the warm South African climate.
What we do know about the Mercedes is that is thought to have had only one owner in South Africa. It has spent its whole life on a private game reserve close to the Kruger National Park, near Johannesburg. Belonging to the Reserve owner, it formed part of a collection of cars, all used regularly.
As usual with imported cars we can only learn so much from the paperwork as most of the history fails to make the trip to the UK. There are some bills for recent work prior to its export, and a UK MoT certificate that is valid until October 2022. There are papers pertaining to its export; a South African registration, export permit, and details of the shipping.
Recent work was carried out in April 2021 prior to export by Frisco Garage in Alberton SA, a Mercedes specialist. The list on file includes what appears to be recommissioning work, with a new fuel tank and filters, new brake lines and callipers, gear shift bushes, engine and gearbox mounts, and a reconditioned radiator.
The Mercedes was treated to a service before being sent to have its air conditioning reconditioned with a rebuilt compressor and a re-gas. Bills for this work are in the file. In October, now in the UK, it was given new plug leads and spark plugs.
Although the Mercedes has covered a below average number of miles for the model (136,000) the interior of the in good overall condition with nothing but light age related wear and tear. There is no sign of damp, and the tan carpets, protected by beige woven mats, are in good clean condition as is the roof lining. The parchment colour MB-Tex seats are in excellent condition, especially the rears which have been barely used.
There are a couple of small issues; a small tear on the side of the driver’s seat squab, and another on the centre armrest. The dashboard area is also excellent, with no sun damage, and the wood trim is glossy with no cracks. The instruments are clear and the gauges appear to function correctly. The centre console area is clean, with a correct Becker Mexico Cassette radio that looks to be original.
There are electric windows all round. In the large load area the carpet is equally clean, and the Mercedes has the excellent fold out rear facing seat option.
On the outside the silver paint is presents well and has a good shine. There are a couple places that would be worth addressing to bring it all up the overall standard. These are a small scrape on the driver’s side rear wheel arch, and another on the passenger side front wing above the rubbing strip. Generally though the paint finish is impressive.
All the glass is good with no cracks or cloudiness in the screens or lights. The exterior trim all fits well and nothing appears to be damaged or missing. The wheels are 14 inch “Mexican Hat” style that an option on the W123 series, as an alternative to the steel wheels with colour coded hubcaps. All four have Nankang tyres which are lightly worn.
When we visited the Mercedes was running well, manoeuvring effortlessly during the photoshoot with no nasty noises from either the engine or gearbox. Under the bonnet everything appears to be factory stock, and is surprisingly tidy considering the miles covered. Time spent giving the engine bay a clean would be rewarding, although we could see no evidence of fluid leaks.
Plenty of attention was been lavished on the car to keep it the engine bay looking this good. Given that the W123 series is renowned for its ability to cover massive mileages it’s likely that this example will be no exception.
It’s easy to understand the enduring appeal of the W123 series. The build quality is exceptional; you would not guess the age or mileage of this car by studying any part of it. There is also the practicality to consider. Six seats, or even 7 at a push. Teutonic reliability, matched with chiselled, handsome looks. Add to that good parts availability, gently rising values, and this example is right hand drive too!
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.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
Consulta le nostre FAQ
qui
e i nostri Termini e condizioni
qui
Il modo più sicuro per acquistare un'auto d'epoca online
Il sistema di pagamento sicuro di Car & Classic protegge acquirenti e venditori. Al termine dell'asta, l'offerente vincente trasferisce il pagamento su un conto vincolato di terzi. Una volta completato il trasferimento del veicolo, entrambe le parti confermano di essere soddisfatte della vendita e il denaro viene rilasciato al venditore.
Maggiori informazioni su come acquistare con noi
1982 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE Estate
Come funzionano le offerte massime
Il processo di offerta massima ti permette di fare offerte senza preoccupazioni.
Inserisci la tua offerta massima e il sistema farà offerte automaticamente per assicurarsi che tu sia il miglior offerente - fino all'ammontare da te stabilito come tetto massimo.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic contrasta il fenomeno dello “sniping”, ovvero il fenomeno dei rilanci all'ultimo secondo per vincere l'asta.
Se viene fatta un'offerta nei 3 minuti prima della chiusura dell'asta, la scadenza di questa viene automaticamente estesa di 2 minuti per permettere agli altri offerenti di reagire e, se lo desiderano, di rilanciare.
Incrementi di offerta automatica
Se la sua offerta massima è uguale o inferiore al prezzo di riserva, la sua offerta massima sarà applicata per intero se lei è il miglior offerente.
Se siete il miglior offerente e fate un'offerta massima superiore a quella di riserva, la riserva verrà automaticamente inserita come prima offerta.
Una volta raggiunta la riserva, Car & Classic si assicurerà che tu sia il miglior offerente utilizzando solo gli incrementi di offerta indicati di seguito.
Vi terremo in testa fino alla vostra offerta massima O all'incremento più vicino alla vostra offerta massima, a condizione che la vostra offerta massima sia sufficiente a coprire il valore dell'incremento.
Ammontare dell'offerta
Incremento
Da £0 a £9,999
£100.00
Da £10,000 a £49,999
£250.00
Da £50,000 a £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Superamento immediato dell'offerta
Quando piazzi un'offerta massima e questa viene immediatamente superata, questo significa che un altro offerente ha impostato una soglia di offerta massima superiore alla tua.
Puoi fare nuovamente un'offerta o impostare una soglia più alta di offerta massima e il nostro sistema rilancerà fino alla nuova soglia, cercando di portarti a essere il miglior offerente.
Offerte massime di pari ammontare
Quando ci sono due offerte massime di pari ammontare, quella impostata per prima è quella che viene considerata “migliore offerta”.
Pre-autorizzazione
Potremmo trattenere un piccolo importo di pre-autorizzazione sulla tua carta fino alla fine dell'asta, quando quest'ultimo verrà poi stornato. Se vinci, verrà prelevata una caparra che verrà detratta dal pagamento del prezzo di vendita per il veicolo e non comporta costi aggiuntivi per te.
Cosa sono le Offerte pre-asta?
Offerte pre-asta significa che avete la possibilità di fare offerte prima dell'inizio ufficiale dell'asta.
Verrà comunicato se si è il miglior offerente o meno all'inizio dell'asta.
Problema con l'offerta
Le offerte sono contrattualmente vincolanti. Per tutelare l'utente, sono previste alcune regole nel caso in cui si ritenga che sia stato digitato in modo errato. Si prega di controllare e modificare quanto inserito.
