Highlights
- Original and well kept W123
- Under 40,000 miles from new
- One family owned to 2021
- Full service history with recent service
- MOT to March 2025
- Practical timewarp classic saloon
The Appeal
This smart W123 is proof that they just don’t make them like they used to. The model is renowned for its durability, but even by Mercedes-Benz standards this 1977 230 is in remarkable condition.
Likely some of that is down to its sparing use over its 47 years. It remained in the same family until 2021 and has covered under 40,000 miles, rendering it one of the lowest mileage in the UK. That history is verified by a full service history plus MOT records.
Finished in period-appropriate Topaz Brown, equipped with the unburstable 2.3litre, four cylinder M115 engine and an automatic gearbox, it is highly original and pleasingly unmodified. Although registered as a Historic Vehicle - so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt - it has been helpfully regularly MOT’d to give buyers independent verification of the condition. The current test runs to March 2025 with one very minor advisory and it has been recently serviced.
Whether you choose to preserve this lovely saloon for shows and weekend trips or press it into the daily duties it would be equally capable of, this represents a great find for the enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 6th April 1977
- Three registered keepers
- Remained in the same family until 2021
- Original lady keeper passed the car to her niece
- Current keeper since October 2021
- Factory handbooks and service book
- Service book shows regular stamps to 10,544 miles in 1983
- Full service history according to seller
- Serviced recently at 39,000 miles
- Subsequent MOTs support the low displayed mileage
- Original bill of sale showing optional sunroof and tinted glass fitted
- Supplied new by Western Automobiles in Edinburgh on 9th March 1977
- Coolant system repairs in 2021
- Various invoices for Mercedes-Benz parts in 2022
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Regularly MOT’d despite being exempt
- MOT to 7th March 2025 with one minor advisory and 39,652 miles showing on test
- Sparing use since 2006 with only 4,000 miles covered
The Condition
- Presents as a very original car in factory-correct colour scheme and specification
- Topaz Brown paintwork is very well kept with only minor signs of deterioration
- These include some marks to the bonnet and other small areas in photographs
- Bodywork is well kept with tidy, straight panels but some light corrosion to note
- This includes offside rear wing which is corroded where it meets the sill
- Exterior brightwork and lights are well kept with good finish and clear lenses
- Smart steel wheels with body colour chromed hubcaps, all well kept
- Underside in good order with no MOT structural advisories on current test
- Highly original interior with optional tinted glass and electric sliding steel sunroof
- MB Tex beige seats present much like new with little wear or discolouration
- Carpets match trim and appear clean and unstained with protective black over mats
- Dashboard and trim fittings very well kept with good switchgear decals
- Very minor marks to trim typical of age and mileage but not unsightly
- Original Blaupunkt Cambridge radio cassette system fitted
- Headlining is in good order appearing clean and undamaged
- Supplied with steel spare wheel and original factory first aid kit, apparently unused
The Mechanics
- 2,307cc M115 105bhp 4cyl engine with carburettor
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- Well maintained car with thick history file
- Full service history according to seller
- Last serviced at 39,000 miles
- Recent attention to coolant system
- No reported running or driving issues
- Advisory for exhaust gases on MOT
- No other mechanical or running gear issues on current MOT test
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
