The W123-series Mercedes-Benz is one of the most celebrated European classics from the 1980s. Their reputation for going the distance mileage-wise is well established, but that also results in the cars themselves being a little rough around the edges. Therefore, when you find cars like this turbodiesel-equipped wagon that has been lovingly restored and has only two owners in its history file, it’s hard to ignore the allure of spending the money to own a nice one. This 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300TD wagon is listed here on craigslist just outside of Boston for $13,995, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.

First, this is a great set of options.  The color, Astral Silver, may seem commonplace today in a world of grays and blacks, but it’s not a paint code you see everyday on the W123 (I’d argue you’re more likely to see pale yellow with greater frequency than silver). The bodywork is pristine and the seller’s note that this 300TD spent most of its life with one owner until 2020 is a testament to how it’s possible to keep a car tidy even with 420,000 miles on the clock. And with that mileage you might expect to see other signs of cosmetic wear and tear, but you won’t find it here. The factory roof rack is a seriously rare piece of kit, by the way.

The dash pad and the wood dash trim is pristine, which is usually trashed by 100,000 miles. I love seeing details like this, as it helps refutes gripes like, “Oh, the wood trim is susceptible to cracking,” or “The dash pads are weak, and split apart after 25,000 miles.” No, it’s just that cars don’t like being left out in the blazing sun for 23 hours a day. As you pan through the gallery photos, you’ll notice that the back seat looks like it has never been sat in. The same goes from the front passenger seat and the rear cargo bay which looks like it has never had a piece of luggage in it.

The OM617 inline-five engine got a nice shot in the arm performance-wise when Mercedes added a turbocharger. Horsepower rose to 123 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, which turns the diesel-powered W123 into a car you can live with everyday. Major mechanical improvements have been undertaken by the current and second owner, including an entire engine replacement in February 2022 when the seller dropped in a motor with 125,000 miles on the clock. Given the mileage the first owner racked up, it’s possible the engine was simply too leaky to repair, but regardless, you have a great baseline here for regular use and continued preservation.