Description
FOR SALE is this excellent and original (unrestored) condition 1978 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D Automatic which has only covered 106000 miles (170000 km) from new.
The car is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This pre-facelift W123 is specced in a beautiful light ivory exterior paint and olive green interior combination. It also has an automatic gearbox, which is quite hard to find in a diesel model such as this.
It was bought new in 1978 and was kept in the same family until my ownership in 2022. The vehicle was meticulously maintained. It was always kept inland in Gauteng and the Freestate, except for the last few years before my ownership, when it was garaged in the Kwazulu-Natal coastal holiday home of the previous owner. It has been garaged for its entire lifetime.
The interior of this gem is completely immaculate and definitely its strongpoint. The olive green MB-Tex seats are like new and is still extremely plush and comfortable. The original floor mats have been covered by custom made mats (included in sale) which has kept it in pristine condition. The dashboard is immaculate with not a single crack in it.
The exterior paint is in beautiful and original condition, and all windows are crackless and perfect. The chrome parts are immaculate, however the door rubbers are starting to show signs of wear. The vehicle recently received a thorough undercarriage and engine bay clean, as well as a 1-stage machine polish.
The vehicle is powered by an economical and indestructible 5 cylinder 3L diesel engine which produced 59kW (80 hp) and 172NM from factory. It still drives exceptionally.
The car has only covered 170000km (or 106000 miles) from new, which is extremely low for the year model.
The car runs well and has been well maintained. It boasts a comprehensive set of original books and manuals, however the original service book itself has been misplaced. A full file with more recent service and maintenance invoices is also available and will be sold with the vehicle. The original, unopened first aid kit is still present in the car. The car was, according to the previous owner, fitted with a period correct Sanyo Continental radio unit after the car was purchased, as it did not come with a radio from factory.
The vehicle did not come with A/ C from factory.
The car has a spare wheel and has two keys (of which one is factory original).
The original wheel caps have been professionally refurbished with a re-chrome and respray and sits on 4 relatively new (only covered 3000 miles) Maxtrek tyres with tyre size 185R14C.
Work done to the car:
In my ownership (since 2022: 104k - 106k miles), the following was done:
- Fixed tie rod ends
- Rebuilt diesel pump
- Full oil and filter service at 168000km (105000 miles)
- New hooter
- Replaced electronic components including indicator relay switch, and indicator stalk to fix high beam
- New door striker plastic inserts
- Some minor paint touch ups here and there in engine bay and front of bonnet
- Stage 1 exterior polish
- Engine bay and undercarriage clean
What will need attention:
- Radio not currently working
This is a gorgeous car which could be kept and enjoyed in its current condition, or for the concourse buyer, can be fully restored.
All paperwork is in order.
Shipping to the UK can be arranged at buyer's own cost. Estimated cost of shipping from Johannesburg to London is around GBP 2000, all inclusive. This is based on a recent quote received.
The car can be viewed in Helderkruin, Johannesburg, South Africa. Walk-around videos are available on request.
Price:
GBP 6850
ZAR 165000 (approx.)
