What can be said about the Mercedes W123 that hasn’t already been said? This model put Mercedes firmly on the board as a manufacturer of one of the most well-made vehicles ever made. In fact, you’d be rather hard pressed to find a car that has the longevity and durability of a W123 before or after it (except perhaps the Volvo 240, which rivals Mercedes in this claim). The W123 is Mercedes’ most successful model, selling upwards of 2.7 million cars.
The W123 began selling in the United States in 1976 in both the gas and diesel versions. They were sold as sedans, coupes and station wagons (“estates”, as they’re referred to in Europe). They were so popular, there was somewhat of a black market created around them with folks paying well above the sales price simply to get their hands on one because production couldn’t keep up with the demand. Eventually, production and demand settled down, and production and demand needs were being met comfortably.
Having owned several newer Mercedes sedans, I always had my eye on the older diesel sedans as another one of those iconic vehicles that seemed timeless, instantly recognizable, and worthy of its tireless praise. So, I went on the hunt for a decent example and found my first – a 1977 240d. Found just outside of Richmond, Virginia, I took an afternoon and met the owner and he gave me the keys and told me to take it on a nice, long test drive. I did, and was instantly sold. Read more about “Mrs. Butterworth” and our other W123 (the “Blue One”).