Description
I bought this 1977 230 coupe in the summer of 2020 and have loved owning the car since.
The history of the car is fantastic, having been shipped to Hong Kong from new by a British ex-pat couple. They lovingly cared for the car over the next 23 years (until Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese) and during this period used the car to explore across Asia. They then held on to it for a further 15 years.
During their ownership, no expense was spared in the maintenance of the vehicle. The incredible records they kept show not only the extent of the adventures they took but how every minor issue was fastidiously corrected. The provenance around the car is fascinating and details the various trips through correspondence with various MB owners clubs, hotels and other motoring enthusiasts in the region.
In 1999, the car was shipped back to the UK where MOTs show it was used sparingly until circa 2004 when a full engine and gearbox rebuild was carried out at 148k miles at a cost of just under £5000. The car was then kept in dry storage until circa 2017, where virtually no miles were added. During this period, another £7000 was spent on the maintenance of the car.
The car was sold by the family of the original owners to a gentleman in London. Who maintained the vehicle for a couple of years. He then passed it on to a group of brothers who then sold it to me.
In the time I've owned it, we've used it regularly as a second car in London where, being MOT, Tax and ULEZ exempt, has been a fantastic addition to the family. I've had a lot of work carried out, including updating the air-con gas to modern standards and a significant amount of welding repair to the under carriage. The care also benefits from a new radiator. I've personally spent over £3000 in the five years I've owned her.
Unfortunately, following a house move last year, I can't see how I'll have the money to continue improving the vehicle to the standard it deserves with alongside a property renovation to manage. As such, we've reluctantly decided to sell her.
Mechanically the car is in good shape and has always been a pleasure to drive. The engineering that went into this era of Mercedes production was exceptional and whilst over three million of w123 saloons were, only 60, 000 coupes came out of the Stuttgart factory.
Generally the body work is good with original paint throughout however the driver's side does need attention. I've managed to source a complete, original door (with window glass and full electrics) in absolutely perfect condition, something which took nearly two years to find! Additionally, I've a replacement front wing (aftermarket) which should fit on perfectly.
My plan had been to collect the parts necessary to conduct a wholesale repair using the highly competent mechanic who's been working on her for me. Unfortunately, this will no longer be possible under my ownership but I'm optimistic someone else will now restore the car to the condition it deserves.
The electric windows are in reasonable condition and all go retract fully except the rear drivers side which goes down about 85%. The electric sunroof has worked and will retract manually but currently the switch doesn't trigger a response. I've also a replacement sunroof motor I acquired which will be included but I'm now convinced the issue is with a loose connection rather than the motor.
The interior is a lovely place to be with the leather seats in good shape and carpets with lots of life in. No cracks in the dash and headlining is without sags or rips.
There is an original, unopened and complete Mercedes Benz first aid kit, MB fire extinguisher and factory fitted cassette radio along with a complete tool kit with the spare tyre which is on the original alloy. All the original alloys are in great condition as I had them repaired about 18 months ago with new tyres all round.
Please see photos of original bill of sale, delivery note, owners manual, service books and various other items of relevance including a mint condition sales brochure for the C123. This is a fraction of the paperwork that comes with a very original, historical car.
The original leather suitcases that were supplied with the car from the Mercedes dealership in Hong Kong are a particular favourite aspect of mine and are also included.
I'll be very honest with you should there be any questions. The car was bought in good faith as a project with significant investment at various points in my ownership. Unfortunately I don't possess the skills to do the work myself or the funds to give to a garage so, out of love, I've got to let her go!!! :)
Feel free to contact me for more information. The car is available to view in Streatham Common, SW16.
