Vehicle Description
1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Wagon
In 1878, Rudolf Diesel was attending the Polytechnic High School of
Germany (the equivalent of an engineering college) when he learned
about the low efficiency of gasoline and steam engines. This
disturbing information inspired him to create an engine with a
higher efficiency, and he devoted much of his time to developing a
"Combustion Power Engine." By 1892 Diesel had obtained a patent for
what we now call the diesel engine.
For consignment...an all stock W123 300TD purchased by our
consignor in 2013 and given a thorough mechanical restoration and
an interior restoration by Dave's Interiors of Emmaus, PA using
authentic Mercedes materials. Always garage kept during our
consignor's time of ownership, this former California car, (with
California emissions differences), has been faithfully maintained
and has service records dating back to 2013 as well as the original
owner's manual and supplements.
Exterior
Creme Beige in original condition, is found on the exterior of this
meticulously cared for car. While the exterior surfaces of the body
present well with good gaps and remain rust free, the same cannot
be said for the underside of the doors. Each of these doors have
invasive rust to varying degrees and will need attention sooner
rather than later. An electric sliding sunroof on top, and clean
rocker panels on bottom are noted. Chrome bumpers, brite work, and
badging, all dimple and corrosion free and clean. The front grille
is a beautiful egg crate design and has minor pitting to the chrome
corral around it and has the trio pointed star on top dead
center.
Interior
MB Tex in camel and in like new condition covers the bucket seats
in front and bench seat in back. Immaculate camel carpeting covers
all the lower surfaces. A near showroom dash and center console
house all correct working gauges, and climate controls, and some
burl veneer is seen mixing in with the black vinyl coverings of the
console. The fully working Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio is nestled in
more burl between the dash, and console. More burl is seen running
across the dash and provides a luxurious break to all the black. An
ample storage area is seen behind the rear split bench seat which
can be folded down to expand the storage space. The spare tire is
noted back here as well as an underfloor storage area. An expanse
of camel vinyl makes up the headliner and is tight and tear free.
Rounding out the inside are padded camel vinyl door panels complete
with armrests and lower storage/map bins down low up front. These
bins are replaced by ash receptacles on the rear doors.
Drivetrain
An inline 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled with a 4-speed
automatic transmission takes you smoothly and slowly up to speed.
Some corrosion is noted but overall, very light on the cast parts
bolted on to this 5-cylinder. It has EFI and the rear axle weighs
in at a 2.88 ratio.
Undercarriage
Underside is very clean, and very rust free, (even devoid of
surface rust with the exception of the exhaust), all thanks to its
California upbringing. The floor pans and suspension look like
comparable cars of very low mileage. Speaking of which, we note
independent coil spring suspension both front and rear along with
4-wheel power disc brakes.
Drive-Ability
As a test drive revealed, this car takes just a small lapse of time
for that turbo to kick in, but when it does, the car accelerates to
any car of today's standards. It is a bit slow, and your judgement
will need to acclimate to this which is typical of 1980's TD's.
Only one frown for this car is I noted the passengers rear window
does not function.
A consigner that has cared for this car cosmetically as well as
mechanically, has yielded this original classic Turbo Diesel that
appears nearly new. Although it has a consigner stated 165,042
miles on it, this engine along with the durability of the
Mercedes-Benz build, will be active for a long time. Unlike earlier
non-turbo models, this car can keep up with today's fast-moving
vehicles with turbo acceleration and diesel durability, and don't
forget Mercedes-Benz reliability and build quality, all expertly
pampered in its lifetime. What an excellent combination!
VIN DECODE
WDBAB93C5FF051328
W-Germany
D-Mercedes Benz
B-Passenger Car
A-W123
B-Station Wagon
93-300TD
C-Manual Belts
5-Check Digit
F-1985
F-Bremen, GE Assy Plant
0-51382-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.