Sold
Car & Classic

1983 Mercedes-Benz 230 TE Auto W123

Sold for

£12,750

Ended 25 Sept 2026

Data from Car & Classic, updated on 26 Oct 2026

Year
1983
Mileage
132,331 miles
Gearbox
Automatic
Engine
2300cc
Colour
Red
Location
Warwickshire, United Kingdom

Specification

Fuel
Petrol
Steering
Right Hand Drive
Auction house guide
£9,500 – £14,825

Description

Highlights

  • Comprehensively restored by marque specialist W123 World in 2018
  • Featured in the Winter 2018 edition of Classic Mercedes Magazine
  • Fewer than 10,000 miles covered since restoration
  • Advisory-free MOT valid until June 2027
  • Extensive history file including the original delivery letter from Mercedes
  • As a historic vehicle the car is tax free and ULEZ compliant
  • Full length cover and original W123 roof rack is included in the sale

The Appeal

The W123 estate has long been regarded as one of the finest practical classics out there. Built on a platform renowned for its durability, they've gained a well-deserved reputation for covering ground in remarkable quantities, often with minimal fuss. This 1983 example is a desirable 'third series' car, featuring the fuel-injected M102 2.3-litre engine producing 136PS, a four-speed automatic gearbox and self-levelling rear suspension.
The V5 shows three previous owners but the first two are understood to have been a married couple who owned the car from new until 2014, with ownership originally under the husband’s name and transferred to his wife following his death.

In 2018, this handsome car underwent an impressive restoration, carried out by W123 World under the supervision of Marc Cosovich, a well-known marque specialist and co-author of a book on the model. The work focused on the suspension, transmission and engine, and the results earned a feature in Classic Mercedes Magazine, written by respected motoring journalist Martin Buckley. Since the restoration, the car has covered fewer than 10,000 miles and has been kept garaged throughout the current owner's tenure.

The service book carries 22 main dealer stamps and one independent, and the file includes a detailed restoration log with photographic evidence, the original delivery letter from Mercedes and copies of both the magazine feature and the accompanying book. With an advisory-free MOT valid until June 2027, it's ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper - who we think will find it a thoroughly rewarding car.

Key Information

  • Mileage: 132,331 miles (supported by online MOT history from 2013 onwards)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • Technical inspection status: advisory-free MOT valid until 24 June 2027
  • Technical specs: 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, estate
  • Paperwork: service book with 22 main dealer stamps and one independent, owner's workshop manual, original delivery letter, restoration log with photos, Classic Mercedes Magazine feature and related book included

The Detail

  • Reconditioned automatic gearbox fitted during restoration
  • Fresh set of Michelin tyres
  • Fresh bonnet lining and heat shield
  • Recently renewed headlining
  • The black MB-Tex interior is in good condition with only minor blemishes
  • Small mark noted on the passenger seat and a tiny nick on the nearside rear seat headrest
  • Small tear noted toward the bottom of the offside rear door card
  • Small area of discolouration in the boot between the seat backs and the lift-up floor
  • Original Becker stereo fitted; radio functions well but the cassette mechanism needs attention
  • Sunroof operates smoothly
  • Mercedes-branded tool kit, first aid kit and warning triangle present
  • Unused spare wheel included
  • Original T-wagon roof rack included
  • Servo-assisted disc brakes all round (no ABS)
  • Self-levelling rear suspension

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.

Comparable sales

Sold prices from auctions that ended in the last 24 months. Chart shows the last 12 months. The latest 6 sales carry details. Prices in GBP.

Median sold price

£9,550

Sold range

£3,105 – £24,187.50

Sold lots

14

Price trend

Rising

Sold 34% above the W123 median

Jan 2026Apr 2026Jul 2026Oct 2026
See all results