Description

1984 Mercedes-Benz 230E (W123)

One-family-owned from new and in remarkable order throughout; only 72,600 miles; driven 70 miles to the sale; on the button manual example of this appreciating classic

Considered to be one of the most successful selling Mercedes ever, the venerable and hardy W123 series sold more than 2.7 million units during its ten year lifetime before production ended in 1986.

This corking August 1984 example was supplied by Nayland Motors of Swansea and comes to us in 230E form, finished in silver-blue metallic, and sits upon its original optional 14” Mexican hat alloy wheels and has been in sole family ownership since new with just three owners – Husband, wife then son-in-law.

Under the bonnet we find the M102 E23 2.3 litre fuel injected (hence the E in the model identity) four-cylinder petrol engine which develops 134bhp and 205NM of torque driving the rear wheels via five-speed manual transmission – enough for a sprint to 60mph in c.11 seconds and onto a top speed of 112mph.

Inside, we find blue cloth seating, blue dash, blue door cards and Zebrano wood trim, manual windows, electric sunroof, electric passenger mirror, seat back map nets (that haven’t sagged!), front and rear arm rests, heated rear screen, height adjustable headlights, Mercedes mud flaps, wind deflectors to the front windows, cassette storage rack, rear head rests and original period Panasonic radio/cassette player.  The driver’s seat shows some signs of wear so the owner opted to purchase a spare, replacement back rest of the same material which is included, wrapped in the boot ready for the new owner to fit should they wish.

Showing just 72,652 miles the car looks in storming order with only a couple of minor blemishes (pictured), with a very clean interior and underside.  The boot is also impressive, with the original spare and tool kit (still wrapped in plastic) looking like they have never been used.

The history file includes the V5C, original V5 and 2^nd V5 confirming just three owners, the owner’s pack with manuals, service booklet with 12 old stamps, the last in June 2008 at 66,905 miles by W Braund and Son of Pontyrhyl plus two further stamps for renewal of the brake fluid in 1986 and 1988. We also find a couple of old service bills from 1997 and 2005 plus 21 old MOT certificates. The current MOT is valid until July 2023 recording no advisories. The MOT history shows the car to have been off the road in storage between tests in 2012 and 2021 covering just over 1,000 miles between 2011 and today.

An invoice sent in after catalogue by the vendor confirms the car was subject to some recommissioning work following its time in storage including a full service plus new spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, power steering filter, front and rear pads, both front coil springs and a complete new exhaust system in September 2021 at a cost of £795 (parts supplied seperately).

Driven some 70 miles to the sale, the car is one of the nicest and most original we have seen and a testament to the caring sole family ownership and of course, Mercedes' legendary build quality of this era. This W123 is one to use carefully and enjoy as values rise and they become ever harder to find, especially as nice as this one is.

For more information contact - will.daniels@brightwells.com