Mercedes-Benz 200T Estate (W123)

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The new W123 range from Mercedes-Benz replaced the outgoing W114/5 models that had helped so effectively to establish the firm across globe as makers of the best engineered cars on earth.

Giving the impression that it had been carved from a solid block of steel, the new car looked elegant and understated, especially  the ‘T’ estate model which still managed to look tastefully restrained despite lashings of chrome trim. An instant success, a 12-month waiting list soon formed, buyers clamoring to get their hands on virtually any model they could.

A wide choice of engines was available, from the economical 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre four cylinder units, to the impressive if rather juicy 3.0-litre sixes which offered plenty of Autobahn performance. The range continued to sell briskly unit it was replaced by the equally fine W124 range in 1985.

This smart and economical 200T has had five previous owners and was first registered in February 1983. The service book has main dealer stamps from Majestic Garage in Bournemouth to 108,000 miles and subsequent bills from independent specialists since 2012, the mileage having risen to a grand total of 138,000 miles – barely run-in by Mercedes-Benz standards.

Most recent work has included new pneumatic suspension spheres and anti-roll bars for the rear self-levelling suspension. The vendor advises us that the area around the sunroof remains in good condition (a known weak point on these cars) and that he has replaced the sunroof seals in the last couple of years as a matter of course, adding that the vacuum door locks and headlight adjuster work as they should too.

Bills on file amount to over £4,000 in the last four years, including a head gasket change, new timing chain adjuster, front windscreen seal, rear discs and a new vacuum reserve tank. It comes with its original handbook and service pack and is MOTd until July 2016.

Much in demand these days, it is getting increasing difficult to find a nice W123 ‘T’, most having covered spaceship miles or suffering from a nasty case of tin-worm. This smart looking, well cared for example is certainly not one of those and looks particularly good value at the suggested guide price.  

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT; The MoT expires in June 2016.