1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD Estate Wagon

Up for auction is a wonderful antique classic Mercedes 300TD estate wagon in excellent overall condition. I am the second owner and purchased it in October 2002. It was originally purchased from the Mercedes factory through its diplomatic program since the original owner was a State Department employee assigned to Bonn, West Germany at the time. The car returned to the United States to Alexandria, Virginia where it has remained through today. The car is Astral Silver with a black leather interior. The front and rear seat bottoms have been replaced with GAHH leather; however, the original leather seat backs are still in great condition. Front seats have been covered with sheepskin seats for most of the car's life. The car has been fastidiously cared for throughout its life by both owners. The exterior of the car has been repainted once in its original Glasurit Astral Silver color and subsequent the roof and front facia have been repainted again to correct rust bubbles that developed. Currently, the roof has a spot of rust about 3-4 inches in diameter on the roof that needs attention; however, the rust is surface rust only and is an easy fix. Note that this car still sports its original roof strips which are hard to find these days as most were destroyed upon repainting and are no longer available either from Mercedes or aftermarket sources. Chrome, stainless, and rubber are in excellent overall condition. This particular car is equipped with both the extremely rare original Mercedes U.S. towing assembly and metal front skid plate both in excellent condition. The skid plate is not attached to the car but will be included in the sale. The interior is also in excellent overall condition. There are no issues with the original headliner. The dash only has one pinhole crack where the instrument cluster cupola meets the dashboard toward the center of the car. The dash has been protected from UV rays by a Dashmat dash carpet in addition to a Covercraft windshield sunscreen which will accompany the car. The car has an upgraded W124 leather steering wheel that is one inch smaller in diameter than the original steering wheel. All gauges work and the odometer is correct for the mileage. The cruise control is not operational and has not worked since I purchased the car from the original owner. The wood on the front center console is cracked and should be restored at a specialty shop like Madiera Concepts. The sunroof operates properly. The original carpets are in excellent condition, covered by the most expensive wool cocomats offered by the company. Sometimes after driving in heavy rains, the front driver side floorboard can get damp or wet, probably due to the sunroof drain tubes. It is minor but should be corrected. The floorboards have no rust under the carpeting at this time. The radio works fine and is an upgraded model 1432 from a 1990 560SEC, generally considered the best Becker radio of that era. The car also has a matching Zebrano gearshift knob. All the dashboard lights are in working condition currently. Heating and AC function properly. This car did not have the third seat option, but included in the sale is a pair of genuine MB luggage rack bars. Moving on to the mechanics, the car drives nicely overall but needs a 30,000 mile tuneup. Specifically, the valves need their periodic adjustment. The engine is original to the car and has never been operned. Oil has been changed every 5,000 miles regularly throughout its life as have all other flluids. The car does not smoke while driving, but sometimes will smoke for 30 seconds or so when started cold. This is caused by worn valve stem seals. A new set will come with the car for installation; this work order does not require the cylinder head to be removed. The car will also come with a new timing chain and tensioning assembly which should be installed within the next 25,000 miles. The hood mat is also worn out and a new MB mat will also accompany the car for installation by the new owner. The transmission was replaced approximately 50,000 miles ago by a MB dealership with a MB genuine rebuilt transmisison. This car has a hydraulic rear suspension. If the car is not driven regularly, the rear suspension will sag slightly until it is cranked up again. The hydraulic shocks have been replace within the past 20,000 miles so I suspect that it may be a leaky line to the reservoir. This is something that should be repaired at some point. This car rides on 15" original MB Bundt wheels purchased from the MB Classic Center in California. These wheels along with the Vredestein tires cost in excess of $2,000. The original set of wheels will accompany the car also. The exhaust system has been replaced in 2017 and is in good condition. The car drives very nicely with good steering geometry etc. No vibrations or rattling. All doors have been greased as required; they close as good as new doors... Power windows and vacuum locks function properly except that the rear drivers window makes a slight thumping noise when it is rolled completely up until the switch is released. Brakes work well with no issues. There are no fluid leaks to speak of and the underside of the car has only the slightest rust in a few places. The car comes with its original tool kit, all manuals and books in the original pouch, and extensive historical and service records since new.These W123 wagons are considered the most desirable of the W123 series and many Mercedes affectionados consider the W123 to be the best overall car ever produced by Mercedes. This particular car won the Judges' Choice award at the 2016 MBCA Starfest Concours d'Elegance at Mohegan Sun, Connecticut and the car was also awarded the Mercedes Silver Star Preservation Award based on condition and originality. Although the car has several minor issues as described above, it is a beautiful example in a most attractive color combination. Although the car has traveled 300,000 miles, it has received superior preventive maintenance and prompt repairs. The drive train is still strong and if maintained properly should continue to operate for many, many more miles prior to major engine work being needed. If the car were in perfect condition, the starting bid would be around $20,000. I am selling the car as we have recently retired and are downsizing to a residence that does not allow me to keep the car indoors anymore. So this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase an outstanding example of a very very popular car that will appreciate in value while providing valuble utility transportation. The car is extremely reliable. For the winning bidder, a $2,000 deposit is due within 48 hours following end of auction with the remainder due within five days of end of auction. Shipping is the responsibility of the seller, but I will assist the shipper as needed. Car is sold as is where is with no specified or implied warranties due to age of car. Car is currently located in Alexandria, Virginia 22309. Good luck!