1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 CE C123

Highlights

• Maintained by a local retired Mercedes specialist mechanic
• Recent bodywork repairs and respray to lower panels, bonnet, and front wings
• MOT advisory items recently addressed, including engine mountings and CV boots
• Accompanied by a folder of service and maintenance history
• MOT & Tax exempt
• Voluntary MOT valid until July 2027

The Appeal

While the legendarily rugged model is perhaps best-known for its saloon and estate variants, the W123 also came in sleek pillarless coupé form The C123 boasted all the quality, refinement and longevity of its siblings and remains an excellent choice for those seeking a competent grand tourer.
This 1985 230 CE was acquired in 2021 from an elderly gentleman's classic car collection and has since been entrusted to a local retired Mercedes mechanic who regularly drives the car and recently used it for his own daughter's wedding. It comes with a folder of service and maintenance history documenting its past care, and recent work has addressed both mechanical and cosmetic items. The vendor describes it as a tidy, very usable daily driver and it is being sold simply due to a house move necessitating a reduction in the number of cars owned.

Key Information

• Mileage: 139,000 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• MOT status: valid until 29th July 2027 but it is exempt
• Technical specs: 2.3-litre inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed automatic
• Paperwork: folder of previous service and maintenance history
• Notice to bidders: a discrepancy has been noted in the MOT history: 138,821 miles recorded on 23/07/2025 and 138,888 miles on 30/07/2026 (67 miles difference); the seller believes actual usage was higher and only noticed the discrepancy when reviewing paperwork

The Detail

• Purchased in 2021 from an elderly gentleman's classic car collection
• Maintained by a local retired Mercedes mechanic who regularly drives the car
• Both engine mountings recently replaced as advised during the last MOT
• Rear drop links recently replaced
• Inner and outer CV boots recently replaced
• Recent body repairs and respray below the swage line, including all four wheel arches, front valance, bonnet, and front wings
• Underbody corrosion noted on last MOT; inspector stated "structural rigidity is not significantly reduced"
• Stored in an underground car park when not in use
• The vendor states the interior is in good condition for its age
• Rear seats described as bright and clean; front seats showing some wear, particularly on the driver's side
• All electric windows operational, though the nearside rear is reluctant to fully drop
• Electric sunroof works and is reported to be watertight
• Clock no longer functioning
• Period-correct Blaupunkt Nürnberg Bluetooth stereo fitted, housed in undamaged walnut surrounds
• The vendor reports the car starts reliably and drives smoothly
• Gear changes smooth going forward; occasional thrust when selecting reverse, reportedly common for the model

BEFORE YOU BUY

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