The Mercedes-Benz W123 T-modell could be considered the father of modern “lifestyle” estates. Before this car appeared on the scene, estate vehicles were considered more of a workhorse vehicle and less of an upmarket people mover as many are perceived today. Bruno Sacco, head of design for Mercedes-Benz between 1975 and 1999, did a masterful job of using the W123 as a bridge between the classic and modern eras, with restrained, tasteful styling that is aesthetically pleasing to this day. These five door W123s are among the most revered of the series, and good ones command strong prices. This final year 300TDT for sale in California is rust free, with newer paint and an R134 air conditioning retrofit.
1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT on eBay
This is the last model year of the 123 body 300TD which was one of the most popular production runs. These vehicles are known to be extremely durable, reliable and economical. They have been used as taxi’s all over the world. This particular vehicle is special because of its low mileage along with it being a one owner, rust fee California car. It is in great shape and shoes very little wear considering its age. There are no rips or tears in the upholstery and no cracks in the dash. The interior is extremely clean and well taken care of. The car was re-painted but is the original dark blue color. There are a few minor surface scratches which would not show in pictures along with minor door dings.
Mechanically the car is very sound. The A/C was updated to R134 and blows cold. The brake pads were recently replaced along with a new radiator. Our facility has maintained this vehicle since 2003 when it had 120k miles. We have performed large services, front suspension & steering repairs and air conditioning repairs. Everything this car needed was addressed accordingly. This would be an excellent candidate for a vegetable oil conversion. This is a 27 year old car that will be sold ” as is, where is” and without a warranty.
For many cars, 150,000 miles might signal the end, but for a W123 Mercedes, it means this car is barely broken in. These cars can go half a million miles or more with regular maintenance. Given the mileage and condition of this car, the auction will probably wind up somewhere between $12,000 to $15,000. Only those very low mileage or original examples can bring close to the $20,000 mark or more these days.
-Paul
W123 wagon prices are nuts. Then again, W123 wagons seem to run forever. Probably a correlation there.
Painfully slow cars though. I wouldn’t have the patience to drive it for very long.
As incredibly classy as this design is, the chrome wheels on this example seem so…wrong.
I agree about the wheels, Larry. Too much bling for an otherwise restrained design.
$14,100 takes it. Not too outrageous given the condition, I’d say. Seems like it’s getting harder to find mint estates these days versus the sedans and coupes.
Nicely done, Paul. It landed right in the range you estimated!
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