SOLD! $18,500 ~ New home: Covington, Louisiana
1980 MERCEDES-BENZ 300CD Coupe Diesel
Model W123 Coupe
144,000 Original Miles Since New!
China Blue with Blue MB-Tex and Optional Sunroof
100% Stunning Original Paint!
One Owner CA car with over $35,000 in Records
Complete Documented History
For an additional 77 high resolution photos click here
The 123 chassis are among the most durable, stylish, and sought after automobiles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. This is an amazing example of one of the limited few that still remain phenomenally well preserved. The coupe had the lowest production numbers of all the 123 chassis, and this is undeniably one of the best examples still on the road today.
Description: China Blue exterior (MB paint code 934) with Blue MB-Tex interior. 5-Cylinder, 3.0 liter, normally aspirated diesel, single overhead cam, 4-speed automatic transmission, power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, optional power sunroof, A/C and heat climate control, power windows, central locking, power steering, cruise control, original Becker Mexico AM/FM cassette stereo with adjustable sleeve height power antenna, electrically heated rear windshield, quartz chronometer, 3-way adjustable front bucket seats, parcel nets on front seat backrests, light alloy wheels, front and rear center folding arm rest, front and rear cargo tray, halogen head lamps, amber halogen fog lamps, 2-speed windshield wiper with 5-second mist interval control, zebrano wood dash trim and console, Berber wool loop carpet, driver accessible rear dome light switch, headlamp turn-off warning device, cabin accessible idle control knob, front and rear shoulder harness seat belts, cigarette lighter, full spare, first-aid kit, tool kit and road-side trunk reflector. Owner’s Manual, Mercedes-Benz dealership stamped Maintenance Booklet, every scheduled maintenance record since new, along with extensive optional maintenance, and other original Mercedes-Benz literature. Original retail price with optional equipment was $29,456.
Exterior Condition: The China Blue paint is 100% original, and is nothing short of astonishing! It is deep, vibrant and clear, not faded or oxidized, and shines like brand new! The original owner waxed the car 5 or 6 times a year, but NEVER once had the paint polished. It was lightly buffed for the first time about one month ago. There are a few very, very minor rock chips and scratches, but not a single ding, and the overall impression is stunning. The polished aluminum trim is brilliant without any fading. Both the front and rear bumpers are in perfect, like new condition, without any scratches, and they shine brilliantly. The original belt molding body trim is excellent without any fading or scratches. The factory 14” Bundt rims were recently refinished with the factory Mercedes-Benz silver including 3 coats of clear. The Michelin tires are brand new. Era correct pinstripe is flawless. The original door seals and rubber weather-stripping are still soft and excellent, and look like brand new. The original chrome grill is perfect. The headlamp housings are beautiful, as are the side markers, and all of the emblems are bright, shiny and excellent. Original factory glass is excellent. Original factory signature window sticker, interior stickers, interior door jam spec plate, etc. are all excellent.
NOTE: THE UNDERCARRIAGE STILL HAS TRACES OF THE ORIGINAL PROTECTIVE COSMOLINE UNDERCOATING, AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS A STUNNING AS THE REST OF THE CAR. (See photos 67-71)
Interior Condition: The interior to this sedan is absolutely stunning! It is nothing short of going to the dealership in 1980 and purchasing the car brand new. The blue MB-Tex is in perfect, like new condition. There are no rips, no tears, no fading, no diminished support in the padding, and virtually no wear whatsoever. The Berber wool loop carpet is in excellent, like new condition, without any fading or unraveling. The zebrano wood dash trim is brilliant, without a single crack and it has a deep and durable shine. The door panels and map pockets are excellent without any scuffs, cracks or tears. The parcel nets on front seat backrests are snug against the seats. The front and rear center cargo trays appear to have never been used, as does the original unopened first-aid kit. The instrument cluster is bright and flawless, without faded needles or aging. All the accessory switches, knobs, buttons, turn signal lever, cruise control lever, etc. are in excellent condition without faded symbols, and they are all in proper working order. The steering wheel is firm to the grip without any twisting or slack. The original spare tire has NEVER been used, and roadside trunk reflector, tool kit, etc. are all excellent.
NOTE: Although this Coupe has undeniably been garage kept since new, and has always had a front and rear protective dash cover, there are several small hairline cracks in the dashboard. The photos show a Coverlay dashboard cap, which fits secure and tight over the original dashboard, and looks virtually unnoticeable. Further, it can be removed easily should the new owner prefer the original. (See photos). Also, I am including the original front and rear protective felt dash mats, along with the front seat protective sheepskin covers.
Mechanical Condition: This diesel runs absolutely perfect, with so much power it is comparable to the turbo model. It has been unbelievably well maintained since new, with comprehensive records that reflect the most meticulous maintenance I have ever seen. Unbelievably, less than 5k miles ago, the owner had the motor and transmission completely overhauled, which cost $10,000 (see maintenance record photo). Further, the car also recently received a new A/C servo control unit ($1,100), new upper and lower control arms, new shocks, new belts, new hoses, and-on-and-on-and-on, which can all be validated upon request. Its notorious and durable 3.0-liter, 5-cylinder motor is efficient, smooth and strong. The motor, chassis and engine compartment are exceptionally clean and dry, and there are no leaks of any kind. The transmission shifts sure, timely, and proper. The independent suspension is solid and comfortable, and the steering is tight and responsive without any play. There are currently no pending maintenance issues.
NOTE: THIS CAR WOULD BE A PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR ANY ALTERNATIVE FUELS, SUCH AS BIODIESEL, PURE VEGETABLE OIL, WASTE VEGETABLE OIL, ETC.
Accessories Condition: All power windows function excellent. Power sunroof works smooth, fast, and excellent. Central locking works excellent. Cruise control sets and holds properly. Air conditioning/heater/defroster all work excellent, and blow heat and air from the proper vents respectively. Becker Mexico AM/FM cassette stereo works excellent, along with adjustable height power antenna. Dash cluster gauges all work excellent, including; clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, etc. Seats adjust smooth and proper. Glove box compartment opens/closes/locks properly. One key fits front doors, trunk, and glove compartment (2 original spare keys included). Headlights work excellent, along with high beams, fog lights, brake lights, parking lights (side markers), reverse lights, both dome lights, turn signals, trunk light, license plate lights, glove compartment light, accessory switch illumination lights, dash cluster lights, etc.
Optional Repairs and General Wear: There is a small dent on the passenger side rear wheel well, which could possibly be fixed using a paintless dent removal specialist. I did not want to risk damaging the original paint, so I did not attempt to have it removed (See photo 19). There is a small chip in the drive side seat belt housing, which did not appear in the photos, although I am working on getting a replacement before the auction ends.
History: This Coupe was originally purchased on March 3, 1981 from Palmer Imports in Long Beach, California, and has remained with the same owners in California ever since. As I mentioned before, I have never seen a documented history quite as fanatical, as I have mechanical receipts totally $35,000, while the rest of the car is still original. Currently it is parked safely in my garage awaiting its new home. (Additional history information upon request).