Often touted by the press as one of the best classic cars to own because it comes from the golden age of Mercedes’s nailed on reliability, the W123 series is a fantastic range of cars.
This lovely W123 saloon started life in Cardiff as a blue 200 with camel cloth interior. After a quiet life, it underwent significant refurbishment in 2017/18 and again in 2022 when it was upgraded to become the marvelous driving car it is today. Now it is a 230E in dark red while retaining the camel interior. It always gets nice comments when driven out.
The list of work carried out to upgrade the car is substantial. It includes:
2017/18
- glass out repaint (~£5k) in Mercedes solid Almandin red/code 512. The original blue and change to red are correctly recorded on the earlier and later V5s;
- replacement M-B stock front wings, rear arches and front and rear screen rubbers and new front screen glass;
- 2.3 16V engine and 5-speed gearbox fitted (replaced later, see below);
- new LSD and drive shafts;
- rebuilt brakes with new vented W126 front discs;
- new M-B coil springs and Bilstein shocks all round, new suspension bushes, refurbished steering box and new track rod ends;
- new alternator;
- matching rear headrests and centre arm rest (over euros 300 ex postage).
2022
- 2.3 8V M102 engine fitted with 5-speed manual gearbox. The engine received new timing gear, crank seals, hydraulic tappets, injectors, fan belt and battery;
- new clutch;
- new exhaust.
All of the above work is covered by the paperwork in the file. Additionally, a pre-start engine oil circulation switch and an additional switch operated engine fan (push to complement the stock pull fan) were fitted to ease both cold starting and hot running. As you may imagine, all of the above creates a beautiful looking and running classic car, one which would be capable of regular use on recommended E5 fuel. It is very sound underneath and in all the right areas – a full cavity waxoil in 2010 has helped here – and has the most attractive chrome and matching painted wheel covers. The seats have been “ScotchGard” equivalent protected. Oil and filters, plugs and anti-freeze service in 2024, current MoT even though no longer required. Radio/CD with USB input and aerial elevation/retraction switch. M-B ribbed woven overmats in navy front and rear. Spare belts in boot.
There are two very minor paint defects in the bonnet area and the overall paint would benefit from a machine polish to freshen it up. There are two small defects on the front door rubber seals cloth covers. The car is still shown as a 200 on the V5 but the engine size is correctly recorded. Replacement speedo fitted at 89k (noted on MoT in 2019) was probably incorrect (or incorrectly calibrated) hence the unusual mileage “jump” that year. The original speedometer was then refitted (noted on MoT in 2022) although the needle is wayward. Both come with the car. A GPS speedo drive was fitted but a phone app is easier and accurate for monitoring actual speed. For complete openess, the gear knob is from a W124.
This delightful car is owned by one of our partners who uses it regularly but sparingly. An everyday classic which has received a huge amount of cosmetic and mechanical attention over the past decade to ensure it can be enjoyed for years ahead.
Details:
- mileage can be checked through the sheaf of MoT certificates and DVLA website – 39k in 2010, 70k by 2014, 89,152 in 2018, 89,234 September 2022 (after the original speedo had been refitted)
- MoT to June 2025
- 6 keepers
- spare key
- badged as 230E reflecting engine upgrade
- registered historic and Scottish LEZ compliant.
PRICE – Offers close to £13,000 are sought. (P/x may be considered but no straight swaps or projects please and preference is for cash.)
