The Mercedes-Benz W123 lineup remains quite interesting at the moment, only because cheap sedans are still very easy projects to find and buy, junkyards still receive wagons and sedans at a decent clip, and high-end specialty shops are still able to charge a pretty penny for perfectly restored wagons. There’s a very fine line in the W123 universe whereby you can be burned big time if you over-spend on a nicely presented example, but it seems like some people are still rolling the dice on the long-roof variant. Find this low-miles and claimed-restored 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300TD wagon here on craigslist for $34,500.

A few years ago, we saw some big numbers for some of the best wagons in existence, and it was a testament to the obvious collector appeal of Mercedes’ iconic diesel-powered model. The W123 is legendary for its reliability and classic styling, combining the best attributes of the Mercedes brand: overbuilt and understated. The W123 wagons were particularly adept at creating a model that allowed consumers to feel like they had achieved a clear level of success without shouting it from the rooftop. In an era of Instagram wealth flaunting, the W123 reminds us that old money whispers while new money screams. The W123 shown here in its restored form will most likely be appreciated by someone who places value on durability versus flashiness.

Now, here’s the thing: for as great as the W123 is, the market for these is a funny one. It was a car that clearly got a boost from pandemic-era pricing, and I don’t know that it will see those kinds of numbers again. The sedan has definitely cooled off; however, the wagon is still looked upon favorably when found in beautiful condition like this one. The seller uses the word “restored” in the description, but I think that’s a bit generous; this is a survivor that has been given $8,000 in recent maintenance, which isn’t the same thing as a frame-off restoration. Given it only shows 110K miles, it’s not a surprise that the highly durable MBTex interior remains in outstanding shape.

The seller refers to new tires, new shocks, and a recent SLS system servicing as highlights of the recent mechanical work it has received. The stereo was also updated with a Bluetooth head unit that blends in with its 80s-era surroundings. Otherwise, this simply appears to be a W123 that was looked after since new and benefits from being in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest all of its life, which has kept its body panels in excellent condition. The turbodiesel 5-cylinder offers up reasonably strong performance for an old-school diesel, with the 3.0L inline-five producing a respectable 130 horsepower. It’s all the money, but if it’s as nice as it looks, it’s likely worth every penny. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Scott for the tip.