1983 Mercedes-Benz 230CE

The subject of a recent rolling restoration of the bodywork and engine, this solid W123 three-door pillarless coupe is every bit as indestructible as its reputation suggests. Born in 1983 and in the care of the same owner for the past two years (and with the chap before that for many, many more) it has had time, money and an awful lot of love lavished on it in recent years.

A speedometer change in 2011/12 means the recorded mileage isn’t accurate; the true mileage is around the 175,000 mark, which can be verified by looking at the online MOT history.

A mechanically simple car, this might just be the perfect starter classic car for someone new to the scene, or a daily smoker for a classic enthusiast who values reliability as much as an almost complete absence of depreciation.

New inner and outer rear offside and nearside rear wheel arches were fitted in 2009, followed by repairs to the offside rear wing and localised repairs to the top of the nearside front door in 2012 (please see photos of the work being carried out).

It was meticulously done; the work to the rear wings took four days, for example, because the owner wanted to get them perfectly aligned. This approach meant that only a very light skim of filler was needed, which should help ensure the longevity and integrity of the repair. The area was then flooded with Waxoyl, which should stave off any future problems for another 30 years or so. (In fact, the owner tells us that the recent work to the rear wheel arches has left the Mercedes free of rust.)

It has also left it in stunning condition and looking fabulous. The panels are all straight, the shut lines are tight, and the general fit ‘n’ finish on the exterior is a reminder that Mercedes used to be a byword for quality. It gleams in the sun, and even opening a door is a pleasure thanks to the vault-like build quality and precision fit. Please do take your time to flick through the photographs we have posted. Every one tells a story, and that story is mainly about build quality and the care with which this car was originally designed.

The chromework is good too. While it is mildly patinated in places, what pitting there is is light and barely noticeable; we’d leave well alone and relax and enjoy all the attention this lovely old coupe draws.

The steel wheels wear their original painted hubcaps, and all are in fine fettle. The period look is finished off with old school number plates.

The light blue cloth interior is in very good condition, and when you factor in its age and the 175,000 miles of buttock running that the driver’s seat has been subject to you start to get an idea of just how well built and durable these old Mercs are. The seats are still firm and supportive, the front passenger side having been re-sprung, the vacuum system working, and the cloth finish is only very lightly worn in the usual places. The front seats still tilt and latch securely, and adjust throughout their full range.

The blue vinyl dashboard is in very good order too, being free of rips, tears and other damage. Ditto the door cards, carpets and headlining, all of which are nicely worn in but very far from needing replacing.

And, all the interior electrical equipment works, the windows, sunroof and even the original Blaupunkt radio/cassette player, which is a lovely touch. The car still carries its original first aid kit, along with a spare wheel, jack, toolkit, and warning triangle in the (very solid) boot.

In fact, the worse thing we can say about the interior is that the netting pockets on the back of the front seats has sagged, some small areas of the wooden veneer trim could do with minor attention, and there is a small blown seam on the back of the driver’s seat.

So, if you’ve ever wondered about the legendary W123 durability, why not pop along to The Market headquarters here in Abingdon and take a look at it for yourself?

The engine was rebuilt in 2005, or yesterday in terms a W123 Mercedes-Benz can relate to. So, it’s running beautifully, drives like a dream, and, we are told, uses no oil or water whatsoever, having also had a recent new water pump. No, it’s not a fast car but it is solid, straightforward and should still be running when your grandchildren have kids of their own.

The engine bay is fairly clean and tidy; it’s missing the underbonnet sound deadening but that’s the extent of the work that is required under there. The underside of the car is dry and solid too, although some of the underseal has worn away or started to lift, so that could really do with catching before it becomes a problem.

Truro Motor Services, an independent Mercedes specialist, has been through the car and looked after the car since the mid-noughties, and there’s a stack of invoices there to prove the work that has been done to it.

The online MOT history shows nothing of concern whatsoever having gained its latest MOT certificate in April 2019 without a single advisory point.

The car comes with a number of expired MOT certificates plus a thick sheaf of invoices and bills to confirm the work that has been done to it. It also has a stamped service history book up to 100,000, along with its owner’s manual.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored and maintained to the very highest standard.

The price of W123 Mercedes has been rising recently, and while that of the estate has been leading the march, the three-door pillarless coupe isn’t far behind. Five-figure cars are now commonplace, which means that good ones will always find a home with discerning collectors and enthusiasts who have been wowed by their legendary durability and longevity.

They’re nice to drive, too, with an imperious feel to the ride – and let’s not ignore the fun to be had ‘hunting’ down other cars using the Mercedes bonnet ornament…

As for the price, the owner is so confident in the quality of the car that he is prepared to let it run in a No Reserve auction, trusting the market to decide on a price. It really is a lovely old thing and best appreciated in the flesh; while the photos you can see up here are good, there is no substitute for actually sitting in the car, starting it up, and letting its indomitable spirit infuse you.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at The Market HQ in Abingdon; to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.