Original w123 240D w/manual, 112k survivor, stunning

Description for Mercedes-Benz 200-Series 1977

You are viewing a beautiful survivor W123 in great original condition. This amazing 240D is a rare 4-speed manual which pairs well with the torquey diesel inline-4 engine. This is probably the most well-built Benz at a time when Mercedes really were built to a standard.

This vehicle was purchased new at Atlanta Classic Cars on March 10 1977. It was a lady-driven smoke-free one-owner car until last year. It has never spent a day outside of the South. It has been driven gently and well maintained by the dealer. It includes all receipts from the last 38 years.

Color is Medium Red #305 with Crème Beige MB interior. Paint is original and still glows with no bubbles or dings. The car has all its chrome and rubber strips and there are no oxidized or discolored spots. Panel fit is excellent the doors close authoritatively with the customary Mercedes click. The matching steel hubcaps have recently been polished. The engine bay and trunk are very clean and the Continental spare is original. A period-correct Mercedes decal has recently been put on the right side of the windshield.

Interior is in very good condition with no cracks in the dash. Map pockets don’t sag headliner looks new with no rips or blemishes and factory first-aid kit on the rear window shelf is complete. Plastic on the binnacle is not cloudy and the dials and gauges are clean and work properly. All the fans and electrical items work properly even the vacuum-operated central door locks.

Mechanically this car is as sound as you’d expect from a 1977 240D. It starts on the first turn of the key and idles perfectly. The 195/70 Michelin Defenders are new and the car tracks straight. Brakes work well with no pulsing or pulling. Steering feel is loose which is normal for a car of this age. Clutch works well. No squeeks no leaking fluids and no excess smoke. The engine pulls well (for a 62-hp diesel with no turbo charger) and it sounds like a mechanical symphony. If you enjoy the analogue experience of driving an unassisted car from the pre-computer age wait till you try a Mercedes diesel with a stick shift! This car has been thoroughly maintained so all the hoses and belts have been recently replaced and the car has been recently serviced.

Ok here is a list of items on the car that are worn or need repair: First this is obviously a 38-year-old car and it is not factory-new. So you can expect imperfections if you look hard such as a stone-chip that was touched up long ago (I’ve included pictures) or some cloudiness in the glass or some pitting in the interior chrome details. The window cranks jiggle a little but work well. The engine bay is not show-car clean. There is a 1 mm tear in the driver’s side seat and the horse-hair seat stuffing is aging. The radio is not original. Window seals are worn but they don’t let wind or water in. They could use replacing. I have a set of new rubber seals for the front and rear glass and I will include them with the sale.

This is the most significant need the car has: For some unknown reason there is rust in the rear driver’s side door. There’s no rust in the threshold or door sill or in the frame of the car. The rust is only in the door itself. It’s on the underside where it can’t be seen (unless you stoop and peer under). As a result the rubber seal on the base of the door is detached. I’ve included pictures.

This is a fantastic car that has aged beautifully and it’s a joy to drive especially if you are a fan of diesels and like to shift yourself. The sale also includes the original window sticker manuals steel data plate 2 factory data cards 4 keys (including one new one mounted on a NOS period correct key cover) and period correct Mercedes Diesel Fuel Station guide. I can help arrange shipping if necessary.