You and I know that the Mercedes-Benz W123 is a classic that deserves the love and adoration of the automotive buyer, but the automotive buyer doesn’t know that. How else can you explain the ridiculous pricing of things like Ford Broncos and Deloreans, when the W123 is a far superior automobile to either of those […]
In these strange times of global conflict and economic uncertainty, people need heroes. No, not those idiots in tights from Marvel or DC, no not at all. The hero we are looking for is the builder of custom El Caminoized things all of all kinds. Like this next thing, which is a Mercedes-Benz W123 chassis […]
This next W123 generation Benz doesn’t run, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Well, it might be a problem for the average person who would go to Carvana to buy a used car, but for the intrepid Daily Turismo reading motorist, a non-running 300D for less than a thousand bucks is a weekend or two […]
Mercedes-Benz used the W123 chassis platform to build a staggering 2.7 million cars in 4-door, wagon, coupe, and limo configuration from 1976 through 1986. This next example has the small 4-cylinder diesel engine, manual roll up windows, and a 4-speed manual gearbox — and there is nothing wrong with any of that. Find this 1982 […]
The W123 chassis Mercedes-Benz platform was used from 1976 through 1986 to build a staggering 2.7 million cars in 4-door, wagon, coupe, and limo configuration. I’ve driven a few diesel powered versions of these over the years and have fond memories of trying to gather speed between hills, but today’s “sporty” coupe version has the […]
The W123 generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a slow and steady beast that is typically powered by a 4 or 5 cylinder diesel engine that pushes something sub 100 horsepower into the rear wheels. These are slow cars, but they will outlast the apocalypse because they are built like tanks. This next example, however, has been […]
If you are in the market for an interesting greater-than-five-passenger vehicle, the pickins are slim. Sure, you could get any one of a million big ugly modern SUV things or a minivan, but that is not fun at all. What you really need to drive is something unique, something that’ll have the other parents in the soccer practice carpool jealous of your sweet ride. What you need is a limousine. A big, long wheelbase, 8 seat hunk of German iron. Find this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 250L offered for $12,500 in Petaluma, CA via craigslist. Tip from Matt V.
In a world that is rapidly degenerating into a “nightmare buffet of artificially flavored, hyperpalatable, yet ultimately bare-marginally satisfying, pseudoabundance” (thanks Kaibeezy for the best description of the 21st century yet) it is nice to be able to find a car that presents itself with all of the things you need in a car and none of the things you don’t need. Umm, okay….there is some rust…that’s maybe something you don’t want, but the subtle & attractive styling, manual gearbox, unstained interior, and legendary W123 Benz durability is exactly what you need in a car for about $5k. No self driving, self braking, lane departure warnings, or tire pressure monitoring warning lights here. Find this 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280C offered for $5,300 in Salem, OR via craigslist.
I’m very familiar with this next car…well not exactly this car, but the W123 240D/300D chassis in general. I’ve owned and driven quite a few of these old oil burners and I can say with some degree of certainty that they are not reliable like a 2005 Honda that’ll just chug down the miles, but they are rugged like a tank. There will always be something wrong with the car (probably related to the vacuum system that controls the door locks and other ancillary features, like shutting down the engine when you key off) but it won’t stop you from reaching your destination. I once had a 300D that experienced what can only be described as total electrical failure – no lights, no horn, no gauges, but the engine kept running and the wheel steered the car, so I drove home before it got too dark. Anyway, enough reminiscing, on to the subject car — what is that color? Wet cardboard? Duchess Kate’s hair? Any thoughts Kaibeezy? Find this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 240D diesel offered for $2950 in Sacramento, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
This next car is offered at a price that is typically reserved for wrecked or rusted cars…and it appears to be neither. The seller admits that the driver’s seat needs fixin, and the window handle (yes…this means it has manual windows – score!) is broken…but then admits that part of the reason the price is so low is because it won’t turn off when you turn the ignition/key off. You need to dump the clutch and hold your foot on the brake — and I know a thing-or-two about this problem because I had a W123 with the same vacuum related issue that causes the mechanical fuel shut-off valve to stop working. It won’t stop you from getting the car home and it could be as simple as replacing a few dried vacuum hoses…but with new tires/brakes/rotors/steering column/starter…this thing had its value in maintenance in recent times. Seems like a great first car for a kid or 17th car for CFlo. Find this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D offered for $2000 in Napa County, CA via craigslist.