This car represents an example from the last model year of the well-respected W123 range. The Coupe version represented here is officially known as the C123, a version which arrived on the world stage in 1977 and ceased production in January 1986.

The C123 was aimed at the discerning owner looking for a sophisticated and comfortable GT car. The C123 provides comfortable accommodation for four adults and the large boot is more than capable of swallowing sufficient luggage for a trans-continental road trip.

To aid the refinement of the driving experience, Mercedes Benz even fitted small shock absorbers alongside the usual engine mounts.

This example of the C123 has enjoyed a lightly used and well cared for life, having covered just 123,000 miles across five owners. The car has covered only around 10,000 miles in the last 13 years.

The car appears to have been enjoyed and cherished by its owners with substantial evidence provided that it has enjoyed success at various car shows and events.

The current owner acquired the car in 2020 but due to lockdowns and work commitments has been unable to use the car as much as hoped. As a consequence, he is now keen to find the next enthusiastic owner for this cherished coupe.

There is a great depth of provenance providing paperwork supplied with this car. The colourful file pictured is full of a range of interesting documents.

These include previous MOTs and tax discs, a wealth of invoices detailing maintenance expenditure, a current V5 and numerous accounts of previous car show successes.

Significantly the paperwork details maintenance expenditure by the current owner of over £1,000 as recently as December 2021.

The interior of the C123 appears to be entirely original to the car. Additionally, it is in great used condition throughout. The seats are fabric trimmed in a biscuit colour and appear free from rips, tears or significant areas of wear. The front seats may benefit from a deep steam-clean to remove some inevitable light stains accumulated over the years.

The carpets are in a complimentary colour and appear to be in equally good condition. They seem to have benefited from the protection afforded by fitted mats over the years. The door cards, headlining and dash facings – vinyl and wood veneer – all present very well and no areas of concern were reported or noted.

The car is well specified for its age too, with electric windows front and back, electric mirrors, removable stereo and electric sunroof all being present for the comfort of driver and passengers alike.

The paperwork details some body and paint work professionally undertaken by the previous owner. As a consequence, the car benefits from an excellent external condition.

The paintwork is deep and lustrous and free from any obvious dents, dings, corrosion, or lacquer peel. The attractive gold colourway is an ideal accompaniment to a Mercedes of this period too.

The generous glass surfaces and retaining trim and rubbers all appear to be in great condition. The areas of chrome, such as bumper sections and signature grill, are bright and untarnished.

The steel wheels are complete with the original Mercedes hubcaps which are a combination of body colour and chrome. They appear to be in excellent condition. The tyres all appear to be lightly used and are in the period-correct 195/70R14 configuration.

Given the regular maintenance this car has received, and the low mileages covered, the mechanical systems of this car are unsurprisingly all reported to be in full working order. 

As recently as December 2021 the car has had a full service and a number of maintenance parts have been replaced. These include fuel pump, alternator, a drop link, distributor cap and rotor arm, exhaust rubbers, fan belt and ball joint covers.

Mercedes Benzes of this era are renowned for their engineering integrity. This car is no exception. All doors shut with a reassuring “thunk” and panel gaps are tight and symmetrical.

The interior, whilst original, has maintained an excellent condition and remains a roomy and comfortable place to spend time. These C123 cars, today, represent a really practical and useable Mercedes Benz classic that continue to provide excellent money for value.

No garage queens these, this car would still be perfectly able to whisk you and three friends away on a comfortable and relaxed road trip at the drop of a hat. The 2.3L engine providing an excellent balance between performance and economy.

If you are looking for a value for money classic, engineered like no other and that can be used freely, then look no further than this C123.


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