1982 Mercedes 200 Auto W123 *Sold £5,500*

Description

• Power steering
• Automatic
• A recent full service
• Only 82,000 miles

The legendary Mercedes W123. It has become a benchmark for quality and reliability. Many consider the over-engineered saloon as one of the best manufactured cars of all time. What isn’t in any doubt, is few cars have the same reputation for solidity, reliability and durability of the W123.

Background

• First registered 17 May 1982
• Five previous owners
• MOT’d until March 2024
• This Mercedes has averaged around 1,000 miles per year since 2006
• For extended periods the records suggest it has been in long-term storage

Revisions in 1982 mean the last Mercedes-Benz W123 models are the best of the bunch.

Inside

• Original MB-Tex interior
• Good condition throughout
• Kenwood CD player
• Unused MB warning triangle & first aid kit
• Factory tool roll with the spare wheel
• Mercedes Zebrano wood in good condition

The Zebrano wood doesn’t come from a Zebra tree! but the unique stripey finish is a feature on Mercedes. The other exclusive feature is the MB-Tex interior. Most Mercedes-Benz interiors are upholstered with Mercedes’ branded faux leather, called MB Tex. It looks a lot like leather and is often mistaken for real leather. However, it is far more durable and lasts, seemingly, forever. They’ve been using MB-Tex in all kinds of Mercedes since the mid 1960s.

The interior is pretty much original.  The door cards, headlining and seats are described by our vendor as being “in excellent condition, with no rips or tears”. That lovely factory steering wheel with power assistance tops it all off.

Outside

• Chrome door mirrors
• Original colour-coded centre caps
• Imposing front grille
• Chrome bumpers with black inserts

After 1980 the Mercedes-Benz W123 left the factory with outstanding paint and rust protection by the standards of the day.

Overall, the outside is rather striking for a classic of this age. There are inevitable discrepancies if you look hard enough…e.g. there is a piece of trim which is starting to lift. But do have to look.

The chrome embellishments around the doors and screens are bright and clean. As are the front and rear lamps and that impressive trade-mark centre piece front grille.

Mechanicals

Bomb proof is how most would describe the W123. There is a famous anecdote that goes something like; if a nuclear bomb goes off there will be two things left. A cockroach and a Mercedes W123.

• M102 in line 4-cylinder engine
• 2.0-litre engine
• 107bhp
• Four speed automatic gearbox
• Power steering

The later M102 engine is an iron block single overhead camshaft crossflow, with a modified camshaft and rocker design to enable a hemispheric combustion chamber. The engine is powered by a simple carburettor. All Mercedes-Benz W123 gearboxes are built to last. The Mercedes designed 722.1 automatic gearbox is far better than the manual. The gearbox starts in ‘second’ when you select ‘Drive’ but engages ‘first’ under kickdown or when L is selected. The extra gear at the top makes longer journeys relaxed and enjoyable. The all-round servo assisted brakes were the benchmark for their day.

Summary

Many argue that the Mercedes-Benz W123 is the last real Mercedes and the end of an era. The build and engineering means there is very little that breaks on a well-kept W123.

Few cars are more relaxing to drive than a well-maintained W123. You won’t get anywhere quickly, but you won’t care either. Life exists at another pace. Is this one of the nicest on the market today, probably.

Prices for good W123 are rising now. Our vendor has reserved this one extremely reasonably. If there was ever an opportunity to grab great value in rising market, this is one to think about.