1982 Mercedes-Benz 230 TE Service Car

Having established what a superb vehicle a 230 TE is, what else would you expect Mercedes themselves to use as a Service Car? This remarkable example was created as an authentic "Tribute" to one of just four built specially for their UK head office in Milton Keynes.

Accordingly it carries the correct Mercedes blue and white colour scheme and decals, and retains the very rare boot mounted toolbox workstation. The MB roof rack is in place and the large tool case has been remade with a full set of tools exactly matching the originals. It even comes with a genuine pair of Mercedes badged mechanics’ overalls.

It's in immaculate condition throughout and has covered only 105,000 miles – no doubt the imperious quality and reliability of Mercedes cars of this period meant service vehicles like this one saw rather limited use – certainly far less than they would do today.

In recent years the car was on display at Mercedes Benz Brooklands, and it then went on to become part of the famous UK based Danz Benz collection, well known for featuring only the finest examples of iconic post-war Mercedes models.  

So it’s led rather a charmed life and the result is a car that presents in superb condition.
 

This car has come from a museum collection and so it’s no surprise that it looks exactly that – a museum piece. The bodywork is in beautiful condition and the iconic blue and white paintwork looks superb.

All the brightwork is excellent, as are all the light lenses, the glass and rubbers. The colour coded hubcaps gleam and there’s a matching set of tyres.

We spotted some small paint defects towards the front of the bonnet, and a few on the panel next to the tailgate glass and on the large hatch itself, but they’re very minor.

The car sits level – and it will do no matter what you put in it because these W123s have self-levelling rear suspension. There’s a pump on the engine and an engine bay mounted oil reservoir that sends hydraulic fluid to the rear dampers and maintains the correct ride height, regardless of load.

It’s an iconic looking machine and one that would make a superb publicity tool for a business. A classic Mercedes specialist workshop couldn’t really have a better vehicle to promote their expertise.
 

Mercedes interiors of this era are as hard wearing as any made by any manufacturer ever, and this one has survived in superb condition. The MB-Tex seats are stunning and look as though they’ve barely been used.

All the woodwork is undamaged and the dash is clear with a top that hasn’t spilt from UV damage. So as a standard 230 TE interior it’s first class. But this isn’t a standard TE.

Open the boot and there are beautifully crafted and fitted bespoke boxes to carry the mechanic’s tools and spare parts to a customer in need of assistance. A full set of tools to go in them come with the car.

Overall the interior is in amazing condition for a car of this age. But then the first owner always was likely to look after it.
 

The 2.3-litre four cylinder petrol engine fires easily and runs smoothly with no smoke from the exhaust. Indeed, Merc engines of this period are easily capable of two or three times this mileage without a problem.

The engine bay itself is a little more scruffy than the car’s exterior or cabin, but then it is an engine bay. You could easily bring it up to the same standard with some elbow grease and time. It’s purely cosmetic and, as you’d expect given the previous owners, everything is just as it should be.

Underneath the TE looks very sound, with a generous coating of original looking Mercedes underseal still in place.

The build quality of these W123s is legendary for good reason. If ever a car deserved the accolade ‘unburstable,’ this is it. Go to any country in Africa and you’ll have no trouble finding scores of these cars still working for a living, many with over half a million miles on the clock.

This 230 TE was first registered in 1982 to the Head Office of Mercedes Benz UK in Milton Keynes. It was then on display at Mercedes Benz Brooklands, before going to the Danz Benz collection. The current owner is a Mercedes enthusiast who’s only selling the car to help fund the purchase of a 1988 560 SEC. He says:

‘I’ve been a fan of the W123 and 124 series for 40 years – they have unrivalled build quality. This car is useable on a daily basis even as a stock 123 estate, but it has the added appeal of being a piece of Mercedes history.

‘It’s largely original, no restoration work was necessary. It has great patina, it was built to last and it’s a museum piece – a true talking point.

‘There are no faults that I’m aware of – it would make a great truck to take to Glastonbury – you won’t lose it in the car park!’
 

A unique opportunity to acquire a highly authentic tribute to one of the very rare Mercedes-Benz UK authorised Service Vehicles, created by a previous owner of one of the actual cars, to include an original tool box, reequipped with appropriate tools.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.