1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E (W123) Saloon

The Stuttgart Collection is a carefully curated selection of cars that were once part of a larger, private, UK-based Mercedes-Benz museum. The cars presented to auction offer a unique opportunity to own arguably the best examples available in today’s market. From the fabulous 500SL delivered new to Sir Stirling Moss himself with a later Mercedes F1 starring role to the modest 230 E saloon at a tantalising No Reserve, each car is on the button with unrivalled history files that detail the diligent maintenance from new.

The Mercedes-Benz W123 was a range of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from November 1975 to January 1986. The W123 surpassed its predecessor, the  W114, as the most successful Mercedes ever, at the time, selling 2.7 million units before production ended in the autumn of 1985 for the saloon versions and January 1986 for coupés and estates/station wagons. Following a slow production build-up during the first year, customers who placed their orders faced a lengthy waiting period of nine to twelve months and a black market emerged for customers who were willing to pay more for immediate delivery.

Like its predecessors, the W123 gained the reputation of being well built and reliable, many taxi companies chose the W123, and they were a common sight in Germany. Reaching 500,000 or even 1,000,000km with only minor mechanical issues was common with taxicabs. Once the W123 reached the end of its service life, they were often shipped to Africa and third world countries where they were highly esteemed for their ability to travel on rough roads and to not require frequent maintenance.

Finished in Light Ivory  with a Henna Red velour interior and first registered on the 5th August 1985, this impressive 230E is mated to a delightful 4-speed manual gearbox which drives through its original ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels lined with new Continental tyres. The body and underside are free of structural rust, the paintwork presents very well and the interior is delightful. Mechanically the car is sound and performs wonderfully on the road. The history file contains the vehicle's service booklet, complete with at least ten Mercedes-Benz stamps amongst other specialist garages. Recent remedial works include a new starter motor, all new tyres, battery and a new exhaust system.

Presented to auction at No Reserve with an odometer reading of 81,176 miles this is a rare opportunity for those wanting a stylish useable classic with a timeless look and analogue electronics.