Mercedes Motoring Mercedes-Benz restoration, back road exploration!

Diesel Sedan

1983 300D Diesel Sedan

  • Thistle Green Metallic with Olive Velour
  • Rare European model W123 sedan
  • 61,000 documented miles since new
  • power sunroof, manual windows, cruise control
  • factory heated seats, factory rear head rests
  • European bumpers, European headlights
  • other optional accessories
  • original paint, single family owned
  • new home, Seattle, Washington
  • Sold

Description: Thistle Green exterior (MB paint code 881) with RARE Olive Velour interior (MB color code 956). 5-Cylinder, 3.0 liter, Bosch fuel-injected, normally aspirated diesel, single overhead cam, 4-speed automatic transmission, power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, manual windows, central locking, power steering, cruise control, original Becker Europa AM/FM cassette stereo with power antenna, electrically heated rear windshield, quartz chronometer, 3-way adjustable front bucket seats, parcel nets on front seat backrests, 14" x 6.5" Astral Silver Bundt lightweight alloy wheels, front and rear center folding arm rests, front center cargo tray, passenger side power mirror, vacuum adjustable European headlights, halogen head lamps, halogen fog lamps, 3-speed windshield wiper with 5-second mist interval control, zebrano wood dash trim, combed wool carpet, driver accessible rear dome light switch, driver adjustable idle control, headlamp turn-off warning device, optional right and left side controlled parking light illumination, full spare and tool kit, road-side trunk reflector, optional electric sunroof, optional factory heated seats, optional rear head rests, optional factory Mercedes-Benz fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, Owner's Manual, Mercedes-Benz dealership stamped Maintenance Booklet, along with other original Mercedes-Benz literature. Free and clear California title.

Exterior Condition: The Thistle Green paint is 100% original and 100% rust free. The condition is absolutely phenomenal!  The paint is clear and deep and not faded or oxidized, and literally shines like brand new. There are a few - very minor blemishes, but the overall impression is astonishing. The polished anodized aluminum trim is brilliant, without any fading, a telltale indicator of a car that has always been garage kept. Both the front and rear bumpers are in excellent condition without any scratches in the chrome, and the rubber end cap body sleeves and impact strips are in like new condition as well. The original belt molding body trim, which trims all of the doors, fenders, quarter panels, and trunk is in excellent condition without fading, chips, or scratches. The lightweight 14" Bundt wheels were recently powder coated, and include new matching center caps and cadium (silver) plated lug nuts (cadium plating prevents the lug nuts from chipping when being removed or installed as opposed to chrome or paint). The all-season Michelin Harmony 195/70/R14 tires are brand new, factory spare has never been used, and the original factory tool kit is still in its unopened plastic packaging. The trunk compartment is excellent and appears to have never been used. Era correct pinstripe is flawless. The original door seals, trunk seal, glass seals, rubber weather-stripping, etc., are in phenomenal like new condition and are still soft, pliable and not cracked or deteriorating in any way. The original factory glass is excellent. The original chrome grill is excellent. The headlamps, side markers, and all of the emblems are bright, shiny, and excellent.  The taillights are bright and flawless without scratches or fading. This car conforms to all US specification, federal motor vehicle safety, and emissions as signified by the specification plate in the drivers side door. There is a scratch on the top of the left front fender that has been professionally touched up. 

NOTE: THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SEVERAL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CAR STILL HAVE THE FACTORY COSMOLINE UNDERCOATING (A PROTECTIVE WAX SEALANT TO PREVENT RUST AND/OR CORROSION), AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RUST ANYWHERE ON THE CAR. 

Interior Condition: The interior of this sedan is absolutely stunning! The Green Velour is in excellent condition. All interior colors are deep, saturated, and free from sun damage. The parcel net elastic hugs tightly against the front seat backrests. The original  carpet is flawless, without any stains, fading, unraveling, and it has virtually no wear whatsoever. There is an extremely rare set of Swiss rubber mats protecting the front and rear carpet that fit perfect. The zebrano wood dash trim is stunning! It is clear and deep with a durable shine, and there are absolutely no cracks or fading. The headliner looks brand new. The sun visor bolster and sun visors look brand new. The door panels and map pockets are excellent without any cracks, scuffs or tears. The original unopened first-aid kit appears to have never been used. The instrument cluster is in excellent condition. The accessory switches, knobs, buttons, turn signal lever, cruise control lever, etc., are in excellent condition without any faded symbols, and they are all in proper working order. The steering wheel is firm to the grip without any twisting or slack. The roadside trunk reflector, original in-the-package unused tool kit, jack, etc., are all in excellent condition. Both front seats have some wear on the outside edge of the bolster, a common problem with velour upholstery. I did not photograph because I had intended to repair before the photos were taken. The green velour, as far as I can tell, is only offered through upholstery supply companies in Europe, which has delayed the repair. I can include the matching fabric with the sale and pay to have the upholstery work done for the buyer, or, I can try to have it fixed before the sale is final.

Mechanical Condition: This car looks, runs, and drives fantastic! It has been driven regularly, but sparingly since new, and has never sat for any extended period of time. It has been exceptionally well maintained since new, and has never missed a single scheduled service. Its durable and fuel efficient 3.0 liter, 5-cylinder diesel motor is smooth and strong, and it gets an average of 27 MPG. Cold starts are instantaneous, which is validation to its low miles, and the motor, chassis, and engine compartment are exceptionally clean and dry. The transmission shifts sure, timely, and proper. Independent suspension is solid and comfortable, and the steering is tight and responsive without any play. New hood insulation pad. New fuel filters. New fuel line return hoses. New radiator hoses. New belts. Recently the car received its scheduled maintenance service which included, new front and rear brake pads, valve adjustment, flushed and replenished coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil change, differential fluid, mister reservoir, etc.,  New Interstate battery, new fuses, powder coated air filter housing. Recently replaced tie rod ends, drag link, steering shock, upper control arm bushings, motor mounts, and air filter housing mounts. (Some of these things were done after the photos were taken). There are currently no pending maintenance issues.

Accessories Condition: All windows function excellent, and have a resistance to them of being lightly used. All of the knobs and switches feel lightly used based on their respective resistance, as well. Sunroof works smooth and excellent. Central locking works fast and excellent. Heater/defroster work excellent, and blow heat from the proper vents (the car does not have air conditioning). Becker Europa AM/FM cassette stereo works excellent, along with power antenna. The factory Europa has been equipped with an auxiliary input jack to connect to an iPod, iPhone, or mp3 player, which gives you the classic look with modern convenience. Instrument cluster gauges all work excellent, including; clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, etc., Seats adjust smooth and proper. Rare factory heated seats and factory rear headrests. Glove box compartment opens/closes properly. 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, instrument cluster lights, etc.,

History: This car was purchased new at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart, Germany in July of 1983. The original owner was an Engineer working overseas at the time and he owned and drove the car there until 1985, which is validated in the stamped Mercedes-Benz maintenance booklet. The car was brought to California soon thereafter and has remained here ever since. The second owner was the original owner's Nephew and he acquired the car in 2008. I purchased the car earlier this year and have performed an extensive reconditioning/restoration, while simultaneously respecting the astonishing originality. 

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