Ready To Soot Yourself? Check This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300 TD Wagon

From 1976 to 1986, Mercedes-Benz produced the W123, one of the predecessors of the E-Class. It replaced the old W114 and came in several body styles, including sedan, station wagon, coupe and limousine.

Regarded as one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz cars ever made, the W123 has become a timeless icon. Examples can still be seen running all over the world, although the best of them come at a hefty price. This one, for instance, is advertised by HymanLTD for $47,500, which would land you a mid-spec C-Class or a GLC on this side of the pond.

Made in 1983 and shipped new to Oklahoma City, it was then sold in Houston, Texas, where it lived most of its life. The car had several long-term owners, with the most recent one purchasing it in 2012. Three years later, the 300 TD was subjected to a comprehensive restoration, a process that lasted until 2018. It’s finished in an era appropriate China Blue, a paint that was also applied to the classic wheel covers, and features the American-specification models not-so-classy chrome bumpers with black rubber extensions and anodized trim.

There was little to be done in the equipment line, other than replacing the original air conditioning with a more modern one, as it already had impressive gear. Bosch fog lamps, roof rails, sunroof, power windows, automatic antenna, cruise control, Becker AM/FM radio and cassette player and others were fitted in the factory. The original instruments and switchgear present themselves as being in good order, while the MB-Tex upholstery was replaced by beige leather.

Special attention was paid to the OM617 turbodiesel engine, which was a USA-only affair. The 3.0-liter inline-five develops 125 horsepower and is hooked up to an automatic transmission that is said to provide smooth shifts.

The car is accompanied by a pair of vintage American Tourister suitcases and original tool kit, and is just dying to be driven again. The question is, would you be the one to do it?