Vehicle Description
The Mercedes-Benz W123 succeeded the W114 in 1975, taking over the
role of mid-sized volume-sales leader. The fresh, modern styling by
Friedrich Geiger and Bruno Sacco was a hit with buyers, who waited
up to a year to get their hands on one from the moment production
commenced. Demand was so strong that some customers resorted to
buying gently used examples for several thousand Deutschmarks above
the original sale price to avoid the long backlog from the factory.
Part of the delay was that Mercedes-Benz gradually increased
production to ensure strict quality control, but the W123's
popularity meant that the waiting list lasted clear through to the
end of production in 1986. While Mercedes buyers of today pay for
the latest technology and technical wizardry, the W123's premium
price reflected its almost obsessive levels of quality and
refinement. Over-engineered, meticulously built, and extremely
durable, the W123 found favor with everyone from families, to
executives, to heads of state. Base models served as taxis on
nearly every continent and are still on duty, particularly in
places where the car's ability to handle the harshest environments
is necessary. Professional drivers so loved the W123 that when its
replacement, the W124, arrived in 1985, German taxi drivers took to
the streets to protest the perceived drop in quality! Between 1976
and 1986, Mercedes-Benz produced nearly three million examples of
the W123 chassis, firmly establishing it as the best-selling
Mercedes to date. Along with the sedan, the lineup also included a
stylish 2-door GT coupe, long-wheelbase limousine, a chassis
variant, and a handsome four-door estate. The four-door sedan made
up the overwhelming bulk of production, numbering over 2.3 million,
with the next closest being the wagon at just under 200,000. Petrol
options started with a 2-liter inline-four, going up to a 2.8-liter
twin-cam inline-six. Diesel engines were the popular choice,
beginning with a humble 2-liter, 55 hp four-cylinder at the base,
up to the superb OM617: A sophisticated 125 horsepower 3-liter
Turbodiesel inline-five, which made light work of the hefty W123
body. Thanks to their superior economy and near bomb-proof
reliability, diesel engines made up the vast majority of
production. The W123 is indeed a car for every occasion, built to
withstand the harshest conditions, yet remain solid, smooth, and
exceptionally comfortable. Equally at home in the Sahara Desert as
it is rolling up to gates of the country club, this legendary
Mercedes-Benz could handle any task with understated Teutonic
grace. This highly desirable 1983 300TD Turbodiesel wagon is a
splendid example, cherished since new and treated to a
comprehensive restoration carried out between 2015 and 2018. This
marvelous W123 was delivered new in Oklahoma City, OK, in January
1983. It would soon find its way to Houston, Texas, where it lived
the majority of its life. The wagon was one of the more expensive
models in the regular lineup, and most came very well equipped.
This car is no exception, featuring Bosch fog lamps, power windows,
sunroof, Becker AM/FM cassette stereo, automatic antenna, cruise
control, tinted glass, and roof rails. In the care of several long
term owners, the most recent caretaker acquired it in 2012 and
commissioned its restoration shortly after. Perhaps because of
their near-bulletproof reliability and exceptional longevity, we
rarely encounter W123s so beautifully and comprehensively restored.
This superb wagon received an engine-out, glass-out, interior-out
repaint in the period-correct shade of China Blue. The color choice
suits the station wagon particularly well, and thoughtful additions
like the factory steel wheels with iconic color-keyed wheel covers
accentuate the car's timeless, classic appeal. The paint quality
and the overall attention to detail are superb, with fittings such
as the anodized body trim, chrome bumpers, black rubber bumper
extensions, lights, and lenses all presenting in outstanding
condition. While the body underwent its restoration, the interior
received a full re-trim using correct Mercedes-Benz materials.
Cream leather (code 455) replaced the original MB-Tex on the front
and rear seats, and the headlining and correct-style carpeting is
all new. The upholstery work alone totaled nearly $15,000,
reflecting the owner's commitment to having the best W123 this side
of Stuttgart. The original instruments and switchgear are in good
order, and the factory Becker cassette deck still sits in the dash.
In the interest of efficiency and reliability, restorers updated
the original air conditioning system with new, modern-style
components from Vintage Air. The work included a new compressor,
condenser, electric fan, fan clutch, and subtly integrated controls
in the center console. Extras include the original tool kit,
period-accessory sisal floor mats, and a pair of vintage American
Tourister suitcases. In its day, the OM617 turbodiesel, as fitted
to this 300TD, was renowned for its smoothness and refinement.
Arguably one of the most significant passenger car engines produced
by Mercedes-Benz, the OM617 revolutionized the use of diesel power
in luxury automobiles. The engine and transmission in this car are
the original, numbers-matching units per the data card. Under-hood
presentation is tidy and clean, showing some light signs of use
since the restoration, but is otherwise well-detailed with correct
painted and cast surfaces, and yellow zinc-plated fuel lines and
hardware. It runs beautifully, as it should, with smooth shifts
from the automatic gearbox and the signature 5-cylinder soundtrack.
Few cars in history match the Mercedes-Benz W123's combination of
versatility, dependability, and timeless design. This highly
desirable wagon exudes charm, with a level of restoration rarely
seen on similar examples. Practical, reliable, and fun to drive,
this superb 300TD is the ideal family-friendly classic, and a
fantastic choice for Cars & Coffee, Radwood, or just for taking the
whole family out for ice cream on a summer evening. Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6630-1983-mercedes-benz-300td-station-wagon/
