For Sale: 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D in Savannah, Georgia

Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D four-speed manual. Finished in the rare and very attractive shade of China Blue over dark blue MB Tex, this W123 is in excellent condition inside and out. Paint and body are very nice with excellent glass, lenses, rubber and trim. Very clean underneath with zero evidence of rust or prior rust repair. Steel 14-inch factory wheels with color-matched hubcaps are wearing nearly new Vredestein Sprint Classics with 2023 date codes.

The interior is in very well-preserved original condition; MB Tex actually holds up better than leather, and the seats look great, as do door panels, carpets and headliner. Excellent crack-free dash and steering wheel. Manual sliding sunroof works normally. All climate control functions operate normally, including cold A/C. Becker cassette stereo has been modified with an aux input; otherwise there have been no deviations from stock inside or out.

Under the hood is an OM616 2.4 liter Diesel engine rated at 71 horsepower; zero-to-sixty time is "eventually" but it will comfortably cruise at modern highway speeds (top speed is 89 mph; we've had it up to 75 mph and the car registered no complaints). What these lack in performance they make up for in durability - these are cars than can provide half a million miles of reliable service. Most US-market W123s came with an automatic; this is the first four-speed manual version we've had and it's a nice change of pace. The shift linkage, gearbox and clutch all feel fine with no slop, grinding, slippage or chatter. This 240D runs and drives great and with the four-speed it feels a little peppier than the automatic versions.

Included with the sale are the original books, tools, spare, jack, extra floor mats and some service records. For more information about this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D for sale at Motorcar Studio in Savannah, please call 912-235-0435.