1983 Mercedes-Benz 300D W123 Automatic

Highlights

• Tidy, practical and economical four door classic
• Well specified with smart red leather interior
• At 127,000 miles barely run in for an OM617 3L diesel
• Approximately £4,000 recently spent, including all new wings
• Featured in TV, film, and photo shoots
• Always garaged in current ownership
• MOT, road tax and LEZ exempt

The Appeal

The joy of the W123 is that it’s a car as at home on taxi ranks or pulling gently into an executive car parking space. This 300D would do either job perfectly because, alongside that hardwearing OM617 diesel engine, it’s got a luxurious burgundy leather interior, complete with front and rear headrests.

The condition is impressive, even for a 43 year old Mercedes and, at 127,000 miles, it is still barely run in by W123 diesel standards. The vendor acquired it in 2020 and tells us that he recently benefits from £4,000 of work, including new all four wings.

This car is said to have been a star of weddings, TV, film and photo shoots. Here’s your chance to give it a starring role on your driveway.
The vendor says:

"Affectionately known as the 'Million Kilometre Mercedes', the W123 300D has earned a reputation as one of the most durable and dependable cars ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. With only 127,000 miles on the clock, this example is barely run in by W123 standards and remains a testament to the legendary engineering for which the model is renowned. With paintwork finished in an elegant, deep cream and complemented by a striking burgundy leather interior, this 300D presents beautifully and stands apart from the few other examples on the road today.
"The build quality is exceptional, and further enhancing its period charm are a custom vinyl roof, the desirable four-speed automatic transmission and factory electric sunroof. Maximum originality has been retained: the original first aid kit is still housed in the parcel shelf compartment, and the original factory warning triangle, documents, wallet, and toolkit also remain with the vehicle. Increasingly sought after and rarely encountered, there are believed to be only around 20 W123 300D examples currently licensed for road use in the UK. As a result, this Mercedes attracts admiration wherever it travels and represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the marque's most celebrated diesel models.
"Known fondly by its owner and family as "Amos", the car starts first time every time and performs exactly as one would hope from a well-maintained W123. It is very much a usable classic, equally suited to regular enjoyment or preservation in a collection. During the current six years of ownership, the vehicle has covered fewer than 2,000 miles and has been reserved exclusively for motoring only when the sun is shining.
Prior to the current ownership, the car was owned by a dedicated Mercedes enthusiast for approximately 11 years, during which time it benefited from a comprehensive suspension overhaul, with expenditure understood to be in the region of £8,000 to £10,000. Combined expenditure by these two custodians is estimated between £15,000 and £20,000, reflecting a commitment to maintaining the car to a high standard. Only a matter of a few months ago, over £3,000 was spent replacing all four wings. Adding further interest, this charming W123 has also appeared in several television productions and film projects.
Offered only because the vendors children have left home and he is considering a change to another classic Mercedes-Benz coupe model, this is a reluctant sale of a much-loved and increasingly rare example. Combining exceptional longevity, handsome presentation and genuine usability, "Amos" represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Stuttgart's finest automotive achievements."

Key Information

• Mileage: 127,150 miles (unverified)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: exempt
• Technical specs: 87hp 3.0-litre five-cylinder diesel, four-speed automatic
• Paperwork: History file and records reportedly present

The Detail

• Finished in generally well-kept beige with all four wings recently replaced
• Fitted with black vinyl roof, Mercedes mud flaps and factory steel wheels
• Attractive burgundy leather interior with Zebrano veneers and sliding steel sunroof
• Vendor describes the car as meticulously maintained
• We are told that the car starts first time, every time

BEFORE YOU BUY

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