1985 Mercedes Benz W123 280 TE Estate

If one car is responsible for securing Mercedes-Benz's reputation for building unburstable and reliable motor cars, it's the W123 generation. This sturdy three-box saloon arrived in 1976 with a smoothed-off, muted style compared to the car it replaced. A surprising dash of glamour was lent to the W123 with the T-series estate version, which soon found favour with all manner of gentry and antique dealers. Today, this is the most practical W123 and is much desired for its mix of space, comfort and dependability. Like all W123s, it deals with bumpy roads in a gentle, calm fashion thanks to soft, long travel suspension. Choose one in a suitably desirable colour and you have the perfect retro classic to enjoy every day, all year round.

We are informed by the vendor that B445 XHX has been the subject of a major restoration in recent years and as such this cars bodywork is in truly exceptional condition. A quick look in the cars history file reveals paperwork for new wings and new rear arches and a very expensive respray. The self-levelling rear suspension has been refurbished including new spheres and is reported to work perfectly and the floor of the cavernous boot is in superb order with no signs of corrosion whatsoever.

The vendor informs us that a replacement M110 engine that had only covered 58000 miles was sourced, and other work included a gearbox service, a refurbished prop shaft with new joints and flexi discs, new radiator and cooling hoses, new brake calipers all round and a new fuel tank and lines. The engine starts without complaint and the changes from the gearbox are smooth throughout, the brakes quickly stop the car, tracking is straight and true and the temperature gauge stays at the centre of the mark when the car is warm.

One of the most appealing aspects of the W123 model is its delightful interior, and this car is no exception, with all gauges and electrics apparently in working order including the original Blaupunkt stereo. All Mercedes-Benz passenger cars even to this day, can be ordered with MB tex leather or real leather and this car has the latter. The seats have been re Connolised and the whole car has an aura of carefully honed executive comfort about it.

Sold with a fresh MoT and a history file containing invoices for thousands of pounds worth of work and M-B replacement parts and a current mileometer reading of 114378. Mercedes-Benz cars of this era were built to cover vast, trouble-free mileages, and surely this one is capable of many more years of comfortable motoring.