1977 Mercedes-Benz W123 250 40,683 miles

Highlights

• Two former registered keepers, the first from new for approximately 46 years
• Just 40,683 miles from new
• Reported to have been garaged throughout its life
• Exceedingly original
• Comprehensively recommissioned with new brakes, wheels and tyres
• Spare engine and original Solex carburettor included in the sale

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is widely regarded as one of the most robust and well-engineered saloons of its generation. The 250 variant, powered by a smooth inline-six petrol engine, offers a level of mechanical refinement that has earned it a devoted following among classic Mercedes enthusiasts.
Most W123s are run into the ground. Not so this example.

Our car has led a remarkably sheltered existence, and its condition reflects this. Its first registered keeper, a doctor, retained the car from new until 2023: a period of some 46 years, and it is reported to have been garaged throughout. Now in the hands of its third owner, the car has undergone thorough recommissioning covering the braking system, wheels and tyres, as well as a Weber carburettor conversion to replace the complex original Solex unit.
The vendor notes that the car benefits from ULEZ, road tax, and MOT exemptions, making it very affordable to run.

Key Information

• Mileage: 40,000 miles (indicated, believed accurate based on known history and condition )
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax/ULEZ exempt; the vendor is willing to arrange a voluntary MOT before collection
• Technical specs: 2.5-litre inline-six petrol, four-speed automatic transmission
• Paperwork: original service book, car book pack, V5C, and numerous invoices spanning over four decades

Service history (derived from invoices):

02/25 – 38,435 miles – Lymington Motors

• Replace track rods and centre drag link/dampener
• Carry out wheel alignment
• Remedy exhaust manifold blow (manifold engineering and sealant applied)
• Advisories noted: Recommend carburettor overhaul due to settings constantly changing

02/25 – Mileage Unlisted – Mr Exhaust Supercentres

• Repair exhaust system using stainless steel tailpipe
• Flange of original oval box bowed to new tailpipe for a permanent repair

12/24 – 38,255 miles – Lymington Motors

• Carry out Lubrication Service (including fitting points and replacing antifreeze)
• Fit supplied gear selector bushes
• Fit front and rear brake discs, brake pads, flexi pipes, and callipers
• Advisories noted: Front track rods required (bent), recommend new tyres due to age, and exhaust downpipe/manifold gasket blowing

01/98 – 33,479 miles – Speeds of Stratford (Mercedes-Benz Dealer No 168)

• Carry out Maintenance Service inspection, including engine maintenance
• Engine oil and filter change using Shell 10/40 oil

02/97 – 31,610 miles – Speeds of Stratford (Mercedes-Benz Dealer No 168)

• Carry out Maintenance Service inspection, including engine maintenance
• Engine oil and filter change using Shell Helix oil

08/83 – 08,016 miles – A E T Garage (Advance Electronic Tuning)

• Carry out Lubrication Service
• Engine oil and filter change using Comma 20-50 oil

06/77 – 548 miles – Geyfords

• Carry out 1st Inspection
• Engine oil and filter change using Super Shell oil

The Detail

• Beautifully presented and very well-preserved example
• Weber carburettor conversion fitted; original Solex included
• New front and rear brake callipers, discs and pads fitted
• Wheels powder-coated
• New vintage Michelin tyres sourced from Longstone Tyres, a correct specification for the vehicle
• Clan vehicle underside presentation, which can be studied in the photographs
• Weber carburettor conversion fitted to replace the original Solex unit
• Original Solex carburettor included in the sale
• Spare engine included in the sale
• Bluetooth radio/CD unit fitted
• The vendor describes the interior as nearly like new

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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 fee. 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ 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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.