I thought for sure I’d be writing this post as an update on another red W123 we wrote up not that long ago, but despite the rare color, this is indeed a different example (with shockingly similar mileage.) The Mercedes is the preferred turbodiesel-powered example with impressive cosmetics and a sharp black-over-red color scheme. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $4K and the reserve unmet.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russel G. for the find. You can check out the W123 we wrote up a few months ago by clicking here. This example is a year older but also comes with the same preferred turbocharged diesel engine, and mileage for both cars is right around 95,000. The seller says this one is a lifelong West Coast car, purchased new in California for $33,780.
The interior remains in exceptional condition, looking better than cars with half the mileage. Controls are simple and the accommodations fall well short of opulent. This is a US-spec car, so there’s no unknown controls like a headlight aim system that may have come on a Euro-spec car. The seller does sneak into the description that the mileage may not be accurate.
Also quietly baked into the description is the fact that this 300D wears a repaint. Fortunately, it is said to be free of major flaws, and the paint underhood puts to rest any concerns about the original color. The seller notes recent maintenance including several front end parts and a fresh alignment. If you dig W123s in rare colors, this one is likely worth a closer look.
Really great cars, would drive them still if not for the 124 87 diesel wagon. But my 85 wagon was a living breathing thing, it taught you how to endlessly tweak. This may be the most solid door shut i have ever heard,
I had the same car in the day, except it was midnight blue with tan interior. In fact The sticker price is about right. These are really good cars, very good fuel economy, I could almost drive from Chicago to NYC on a tank of fuel. Interesting to note, of all the cars I have owned since this Mercedes, the avg MPG has gotten worse.
i have owned several of these over the years. they are bullet proof when it comes to longevity..
I’ve never seen a 123 in signal red but it looks pretty good. I’m a 124 guy and own a signal red 1988 260E (among other 124s). A local mechanic owned an 87 300TD in the same color and wanted to sell it to me. No thanks, I’m not an oil burner type of guy (but I understand there are fanatics out there!)
Had 2, both 300 diesels, one turbo, one normally aspirated. Run forever cars with proper care. Awesome highway cars, bothersome in the city. If you drive a lot on the interstate, it’s perfect.
Only downside I can think of are hills and trying to pass someone on a highway.
Actually Eli, at speed these have torque and are great. In town from a stop they are noisy and smokey slow to gain speed.
Speeding ticket waiting to happen….around here anyway. You gotta hit the hills with some speed.
Great Smoky Mountains.
want the wagon
“million mi motor”
on veg oil ?
Anyone notice the wheels are aftermarket (probably Ronal), and the cluster and fuel/temp gauges appear to be from a late 70s model? Given the difference in fade and its being a 125-mph unit I am guessing the speedo and clock are original. However it casts doubt about the originality in general.
I also noticed it was a respray by the sunroof seal and some overspray on the belt-line trim. I do like the color.