1980 Mercedes-Benz 200 (W123)

This car is both remarkably original and extraordinarily well-preserved.

It has the M102 four-cylinder inline petrol engine.

With the exception of the boot lid, this 1980 car is still wearing its original paint.

Why?

Because it’s never needed repainting.

It has been kept warm, dry and garaged throughout its life and has yet to reach 18,000 kms – which, in the context of the 123’s ability to cover astronomical distances, means that it’s barely run in.

The entire underbody is still coated in the original protective wax with which it left the factory.

Prior to purchase by the current vendor, it was a one-owner-from-new car.

It left the factory with H4 headlights, automatic gearbox, power steering, centre armrest and rear headrests.

What can you see that’s not original?

Well, it has a replacement electric passenger door mirror.

That’s about it.

The car’s bodywork is pretty much immaculate and there are no dinks, dents or other defects of any consequence anywhere that we can see.

The panels, panel gaps and shut-lines are as crisp, consistent and even as you would hope to find on a car of this quality.

The Silberdistel Metallic paint defies its age and is in quite exceptional condition overall.

It has retained plenty of shine and lustre.

Even entirely standard stone chips and minor scratches are more conspicuous by their absence than their presence. You’ll really have to look hard to find any.

Needless to say, we haven’t seen any rust anywhere and we really wouldn’t expect to find any.

The wheels are excellent and the steel rims and hubcaps look to be in almost as-new condition. 

The chrome work, trim, lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all beyond reproach.

There is a short strip of sticky residue where something was previously affixed under the front bumper on the driver’s side. According to the vendor, it is a wax runner that is original from the factory and was intentionally not removed by himself.

The phenomenal condition of the inside is every bit a match for its external counterpart. 

Indeed, the whole interior is far better than even its ultra-low kilometres should dictate, let alone its age.

The beige vinyl and ‘herringbone’ pattern tweed fabric upholstery is wholly untroubled by either time or use and looks factory-fresh.

The door cards are pristine, as are the carpets and mats.

So, too, is the headlining.

The dashboard, centre console, steering wheel, gear selector, handbrake and other controls are all impeccable.

The vendor tells us that all switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics do what they’re supposed to do. 

The boot, unsurprisingly, is also in showroom condition and contains a spare wheel and a tool roll.

The clean, dry engine and engine bay look fine and the undersides of the car appear to have a great deal of structural integrity.

The car comes with two sets of keys, handbooks and manuals, a few spare parts, and a service book with stamps attesting to the car’s clearly extraordinary history of diligent care and maintenance. 

Since April 2023 the car has been the grateful recipient of new Continental summer tyres, fresh oils and fluids (including those for the engine, gearbox, rear axle, brakes and carburettors), filters and plugs, new wiper blades, new fuel pump and fuel lines, new clock, new windscreen washer pump, new door seals, and two new coupling rods.

It’s clearly had a pampered life and been meticulously cared-for as it is in quite exceptional, time-warp condition, inside, outside and underneath.

If you’re holding out in the hope of finding a better example, be prepared for a very, very long wait.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of €25,000 - €30,000. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Neuschönau, Germany. 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’.