1979 Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123)

Of all the 123s likely to outlast their owners, the diesel models probably edge out their petrol-powered cousins. The four- and five-cylinder compression ignition engines used in the 123 were all seemingly built to survive an apocalypse. Although the highest mileage Mercedes-Benz of all time is a former Greek taxi 240D (W114) that racked up a scarcely believable 4.6 million Kms (2.9 million miles), there are numerous examples of its successor model – made during the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s – topping 1 million kms (620,000 miles). This 240D’s displayed mileage of 275,301km by comparison seems like little more than a jaunt around the block.

Imported from Italy to Ireland approximately three years ago, this left-hand drive manual is one of 455,000 examples of the four-cylinder diesel 240D produced. That apparently makes it the most popular of all 123 models, and therefore a doddle to get parts for, not that any of the 123 variants should be considered a challenge to maintain. In keeping with its no-frills ‘taxi’ spec there’s just one side mirror and no radio. Pretty much the only concession to comfort are tinted windows, but surely that just means there’s less to go wrong.

Because it’s lived most of its life in fairer climates than those found in Dublin, this 123 seems to have survived its 45 years near unscathed. The vendor admits that he’s had to have the offside wing replaced, due to a previously poor repair, but it’s otherwise as it was when bought from an Italian online auction. He also mentions that he had the opportunity to reject the car if it wasn’t as described, even travelling out to Italy to collect the car with his wife. 

We’re not surprised that he took it home as the exterior panels all show a very straight and uniform fit and finish, with plenty of shine left to the cream paint. We found a few small chips here and there – offside rear door shut and petrol filler for example – but really this W123 still presents very well. From what we could make out, there was little sign of any corrosion in the usual places (wheel arches, sills and jacking points). Tyres are all matching 2015-dated Hankooks, a little on the old side perhaps, but still showing good tread.

The exposed grille and headlamps up front look good, the former doesn’t show any pitting or rust. The same can be said of the bumpers, both of which display plenty of shine, and are complete with their rubber trims. The rear appears to have had a light parking bump as it’s very slightly bent in the centre. Plenty of chrome was the norm in this era, so we’re pleased to report that all the shiny trim is looking great here. The doors are generally looking well too although, with a couple of them open, we did see some evidence of corrosion beginning to show along their bottom edges.

There’s a wonderful sense of utility and dependability about this Benz. The cabin’s spartan and robust nature is certainly a long way from the focus on technology and gadgets that has come to dictate the specification of subsequent Es. The M-B Tex fabric is notoriously hard wearing and shows little evidence of the decades and hundreds of thousands of Kilometres it’s had to endure.

It's very presentable in here but it’s not unmarked. There’s an imperfection to the dash, between the centre vents – glue or damage, we’re not sure. Door cards all seem to still be fitting well and free of any significant damage. The same can be said of the headlining, which still looks very crisp and tight, with only a minor mark to its rear and some light staining around the top of the b-post trim.

There’s a crack to the Perspex covering the clocks and the sun visors show a little sagging of their material, but otherwise there’s very little to cause complaint in this fine 240D. The carpets and the metal underneath them look great and the boot liner and plastic inner wing covers remain in place and doing their protective jobs well. 

The vendor’s plans were to originally keep the car in Spain, but plans have since changed and he’s covered a very happy 3500kms with the car in Ireland. In that time, he mentions that he’s only had to replace “two front shocks and rear drop links.”

The underside of this 240D seemingly looks very solid with only minimal surface corrosion visible. The engine bay appears fairly grubby, as is often the way with high-mileage diesels, but it appears to be dry and solid. No doubt, if detailing is your thing, this could be improved immeasurably. The inner arches look largely clean all round and seem to still be well protected with a thick coating of paint/underseal. 

Unfortunately, the paperwork hasn’t come over with the car in this instance, there’s just an Irish registration certificate and a few copies of a handful of older Italian documents. We did, however, notice a sticker in the driver’s door for an oil and filter service at 270,580km.

The charm of this classic isn’t hard to grasp, as its dependable nature and ergonomic (yet no frills) cabin make it an easy machine within which to cover great distances. The vendor reports that he is always approached for a chat by members of the public, wherever he goes, something that us classic car fans consider a big part of the appeal of owning and using old cars. 

With very little in the way of options or even mechanical complications under the skin, this is one classic saloon you can be confident in putting miles on, enjoying the nostalgia of late-1970s European attainable opulence in the process.

We estimate that this car will sell for €5,000 - €7,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Dublin, Ireland. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.