I Bought A Mercedes W123! My Dream Classic Benz! (1983 200 Saloon Driven)

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I Bought A Mercedes W123! My Dream Classic Benz! (1983 200 Saloon Driven)

Рет қаралды 56,747

Күн бұрын

WIN with Lancaster Insurance: bit.ly/3YxfBbI
Project cars are sponsored by LIQUI MOLY: www.liqui-moly...
We get the chance to drive plenty of classic cars in this job, including exotica from Bentley or Aston Martin, once-common runarounds like the Fiat Strada or Austin Montego and iconic hot hatchbacks and sports cars like the Escort XR3i or Golf GTI. But some cars leave a lasting impression on us, enough for us to buy our own. For Joe, the first car to have that ‘want one’ factor was a classic German saloon that he’s obsessed over ever since. Thanks to the WB & Sons December auction, he finally bought his own classic, a Mercedes W123!
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Пікірлер: 149

@nigelbond4056 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love that you’ve bought yourself a car that’s older than you: a true enthusiast. And what a peach the W123 is too. Made at a time when Mercs were properly engineered and crafted. I’m slightly green with envy 🤓

@OldtimerloverW123 14 күн бұрын

I did the same and loving it!

@solsol1624 Жыл бұрын

You are a man of impeccable taste, good luck with it☺ I've had my 1983 280CE for 3.5 years and never once has it not started first turn of the key. A 40 year old car has no business being so reliable.

@f.d.robben159 Жыл бұрын

great video! My second car after my R4 TL was a '77 W123 200D with 54 breath taking HP. As young guys in 91, after our nightshift as Taxi drivers ( 190D ), we jumped in my old Diesel and happily drove from northern Germany all the way down to Switzerland. It's relaxing like watching a movie. You need just a drink, a snack, some background music and you can cruise for houres. The world on the outside can do its thing and you don't care. It's a sedative on four wheels and should be prescribed against symptoms of stress

@charlesb7019 Жыл бұрын

As an old Merc owner I can tell you that you will love it. It will grow on you more and more as time goes by.

@VirtualGuth Жыл бұрын

It looks like you managed to find yourself a real gem. I too am a fan of cloth seats, preferring them over leather. I don't so much as blink when I see a modern Mercedes out on the road today (or most any other modern car for that matter). Your car on the other hand is a real head turner (I think it looks great in white), pure class. Even as someone who is more prone to admire sports cars and motorcycles, I would definitely stop to check out your Merc were I to see it parked somewhere nearby. Congratulations and enjoy!

@jimcady9309 29 күн бұрын

MB-Tex (vinyl "taxi leather") is the most durable upholstery ever!

@grayfool Жыл бұрын

Still on of the best cars Merc has ever made. I had a 280E in the mid nineties and absolutely loved it. It suffered badly from rot so went to a new owner who, hopefully, could restore it. I still miss it.

@chazkdarwin3875 Ай бұрын

You are so lucky to have a 200 petrol Manual. I have the same car in light ivory colour here in Australia. I’ve owned a lot of old Mercedes, and always thought I 300 D was the W123 to have. The 280E was sluggish and thirsty. My 200 has never left us stranded in over 10 years, and has only cost $160 in parts (plus consumables). With the manual it keeps up with modern traffic (except on big hills!). I’d certainly now never swap it for a 230, 240, 250, 280 or 300, never! I would never of formed this opinion without spending time with one. All the best.

@BigPaul62 Жыл бұрын

My dad had one brand new in 1980 (ATK 261W) a 280TE. Brilliant car, did 1250000 miles in the four years he had it with an alternator being the only non service item that needed replacing. He replaced it with a W126 280 SE in 1984- another fantastic car.

@OldtimerloverW123 14 күн бұрын

Amazing!! this car is a masterpiece of German engineering that can still be used as a daily drive. I own one of these and love it so far

@tricialyn4645 Ай бұрын

I've just discovered this post. It was very interesting and I could feel your enthusiasm. Well done!! 😊

@VSB83 Жыл бұрын

The w123 - best car ever made!

@marcpettie6561 Жыл бұрын

I had an '82 W123, 230E 4 speed manual. Should never have sold it - one of the nicest cars ever.

@kermitefrog64 7 ай бұрын

I have a 1981 W123 240d with a 4 speed manual transmission and it is an incredible car to drive.. I have driven all over California with this car. It is not a fast car but it keeps right up with traffic. I have been driving this car for 10 years.

@jimcady9309 29 күн бұрын

I've had two 123 240D's with 4 speed U. S. issue manuals (I understand they had 5 in Europe. It looks like they sold more gasoline burning 123s over there, as well!). Anyway, great cars, and got me into self rowing! a 5 speed Pontiac Vibe, and two 6 speed Kia Souls since.

@richardkeen1996 Жыл бұрын

You're right - a lovely car. I had a dark blue automatic W123/230 in 1984 and drove many it miles both in the UK and Europe without a hitch. I kept it for three years and then changed to the new model 260E which was great but I still preferred the W123. Really enjoy your postings.

@SA-zoom1 Жыл бұрын

The W123 200D had 60hp and was rated at 0-100km in 27.4 seconds. My friend was insured to drive his dads one, we used to chug around London in it and affectionately called it the Titanic.

@CaptainRambunctious 15 күн бұрын

It’s amazing!! But I did wonder at 7:10 why the interior light flicked on? A door switch? Beautiful. And definitely my next classic car to join my Jag… Thanks again for a great video.

@markeastwood74 Жыл бұрын

When I was starting out, I was told a car would be knackered after 10 years and I shouldn't consider buying one. But everyone should get themselves a useable classic at some point, they really are the best of all worlds.

@jimcady9309 29 күн бұрын

My '81 240D was over 20 years old when I got it. It was a total rustbucket (I had to put a phone book between the driver's seat and the post to hold the seat upright, because the frame had punched through the floor), but it ran for 3 years! The '82 with which I replaced it was in much better shape, and exceeded 300,000 miles on the original engine!

@davidarter9670 Жыл бұрын

I wish W123’s came in manual versions in Australia. The simplicity and reliability of this car would make an excellent daily driver in todays world where too much technology means more to go wrong. I look forward to more videos on this car!

@combosucks 5 ай бұрын

They did! I've got a Australian delivered, manual 240D in Sahara yellow. Fun fact: it uses the same clutch as a Nissan 350z

@davidarter9670 5 ай бұрын

@@combosucks I was thinking more of the 280 petrol version.

@chazkdarwin3875 Ай бұрын

@@combosucksReally? I have a light ivory W123 200 petrol manual in Australia, it probably uses the same clutch. How did you find that out?

@chazkdarwin3875 Ай бұрын

@jimcady9309 29 күн бұрын

The 240D was the only manual Mercedes 123 sold in the U. S., I think. 4 speed, not 5 as in Europe.

@-DC- Жыл бұрын

My uncle had one in the early 80's can remember riding in it thinking it was Unbelievable compared to my dad's Cortina Estate 🤣

@markc3884 Жыл бұрын

Lovely motor. I grew up in the 70’s & this 3 box shape is burned into my memory of how a Benz should look.

@paultaylor9652 Жыл бұрын

Great video on a car which I use to see at new car shows in my teens. Good to see you looking after the Mercedes Benz young man.

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@jimmyjones9780 Жыл бұрын

After owning a Rover P6 3500 S for ten years, my late father purchased a new 1984 123 Mercedes 280 E in Metallic Green .... A beautiful car with so many extra's including power steering, electric sun roof, windows, all leather, fuel injection and alloys .... Twelve years later he purchased a new 1996 W210 Mercedes 420 E which he would keep until he died in 2014 .... Hopefully Joe, this is just the start for you, owning a Mercedes .... Keep this one for about five years then move up, just like my dad did .... Cheers

@berwhaletheavenger Жыл бұрын

One of the last of the proper Mercedes really. The 230E was the one to have - much quicker than the 200 but better on fuel as well. The 280E is nice and not much worse on petrol than a 200.

@LesterLovesWatches Жыл бұрын

Most 280Es get around 22-23mpg, so significantly more thirsty than a 200. But you’re right about the 230E.

@terp8373 Жыл бұрын

My dream car as well. Mercedes Benz engineering and quality were over the top during that era. They looked great, too.

@jmsjms296 Жыл бұрын

All the best for this courageous endeavour! You will hopefully overcome the boredom and the dullness.

@Benzer18 Жыл бұрын

123000miles is like 12300miles for a w123😊

@Vince_uk Жыл бұрын

I am a Merc guy through and through and W123 is one of the best cars ever produced.

@Tito_mutai 3 ай бұрын

Congratulations Sir. Enjoy your car.I'm still saving up for my W123

@ClassicsWorldUK 3 ай бұрын

Best of luck!

@hughjass8430 Жыл бұрын

We all learn the hard way that oil shoots out 1 to 2 feet laterally from the sump, not straight down!😂 Great car. Have always hankered for a W123 myself.

@joedaman8436 Жыл бұрын

My mates dad had one of these, he bought it from a local Doctor, in about 2005, it only had 36,000 miles on the clock, it wasn't the best colour as it was finished in brown, but had a lovely cream interior, it was one of the most comfortable cars I have ever been in, lovely motor 👌

@Richard-Bullock Жыл бұрын

I would LOVE to own a W123 240TD. Maybe one day.

@sydnorth5868 Жыл бұрын

I remember well my first encounter with a W123. Unlike most it was not in a German taxi. It was in1987 when a smoking hot work colleague gave me a lift home. I can't remember her name, but I do remember it was in a W123!

@stuartbritton4811 4 ай бұрын

Why was she smoking and hot? Wasn't it air-conditioned? Did you smoke at the time, too? Did she ask you if you minded her smoking?

@sydnorth5868 3 ай бұрын

@@stuartbritton4811 No, yes and no!

@dakopyc 27 күн бұрын

😂 🚬 🔥 🤠

@peterriggall8409 Жыл бұрын

BIG congrats. Joe. Love it. Looks smart in white. Material is better than MB Tex. and no doubt it is quality material. MB mudflaps and it’s a manual! You can daily drive it and take it to car shows too. 👍

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@adamlane5182 Жыл бұрын

Nice W123 Joe and good to see you at FJ Coffee &Chrome at Chateau Impney this morning - a good trek from Kent!!

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Thanks Adam, great to see you! -Joe

@michaelthompson5252 4 ай бұрын

I had an 85 300d turbo, an 82 300d turbo and a 79 300sd. I sold all of them years ago and now I regret it. I miss working on them on my days off.

@Paris__ Жыл бұрын

Brilliant buy, bud 👍

@philipmulville8218 8 ай бұрын

Congratulations on your recent purchase. That really is a beautiful example.

@ClassicsWorldUK 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@davidarter6271 Жыл бұрын

First time I have come across your channel. Excellent presentation of a lovely car. Thankyou

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Welcome, David! Thanks very much!

@nicholaswoodward8191 Жыл бұрын

Enjoy her Joe, I have 2 here in Cape Town a very pretty blue bog entry level 200 manual. Its very sorted 170 000kms and I would happily drive it from cape town to Namibia without a care. And I have recently bought 230 e auto no rot runs well 247 000kms. Reckons it needs engine mounts and the brakes go soft in traffic to worth sorting then (erk). They are a bit special. A car without ego was a pretty fair description I read somewhere about them. Enjoy your car!

@markdempsey4763 Жыл бұрын

Congrats Joe, really pleased for you, looks fantastic, enjoy 😊

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark!

@klstadt Жыл бұрын

This is my all time dream car.

@kermitefrog64 7 ай бұрын

I have Uniroyal tires with the white walls and they are the 205/75r14. These are the perfect tire for comfort and since the gearing in the rear end 3.69 and with the manual 4 speed rather than the more common 5 speed in Europe the taller tires help to off set the lack of a 5th gear. I just bought new tires about 6 months ago. Michelin no longer makes tires for these cars in the States.

@chazkdarwin3875 Ай бұрын

White walls on a 70s or 80s car look ridiculous, so out of character!

@DarthTrotter Жыл бұрын

Congrats. Had a 85 230E auto. Lovely old barge. 200 carb manual must be glacially slow and thirsty. Last Merc was a 95 W124 E220 Sportline. The best.

@houmandehdashtidmd9078 8 ай бұрын

Nice ! I started out searching for pagodas, now a drastic change to a 300D.

@TNPTVconnect Жыл бұрын

Lovely. I own a 230CE from 1981.

@BomberFletch31 Жыл бұрын

Very nice, Joe. I've been watching your progress with this on your own channel, too. I'm also a fan of classic Mercs. My dream car when I was a kid was a W126, but I am also very fond of the W116 and the W140. I hope to be able to own one some day.

@davidarter9670 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t know Joe had his own channel! What’s it called please?

@BomberFletch31 Жыл бұрын

@@davidarter9670 youtube.com/@MillerCorner

@roygardiner2229 Жыл бұрын

Great stuff! Living the dream.

@patrickmelson4745 3 ай бұрын

Nice car! I'm surprised that you made it home with those old tires!

@ClassicsWorldUK 3 ай бұрын

Me too!

@petercollingwood522 11 ай бұрын

I had an 83 manual in South Africa, and my brother had an 84 in the same color as yours. His was auto but mine had AC which made a world of difference in the miserable Durban summers. The 123 is the best car ever made. I'm jealous of your purchase. I really would like another. I've also owned two 81 240D's they are great but I think I'd prefer a gas car now. I'm in America now and there very few non diesel 123's here. And I also agree that cloth interiors are better than leather. Though the ones I owned all had MB-Tex which was unbelievable in terms of it's durability.

@ClassicsWorldUK 11 ай бұрын

Fantastic cars, aren't they?

@petercollingwood522 11 ай бұрын

@@ClassicsWorldUK Indeed.

@paulnash4425 Жыл бұрын

congrats on the purchase.I have black 230E, also a manual

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Good man!

@alexandrecouture2462 Жыл бұрын

Nice car, have fun!

@seanburke5686 Жыл бұрын

Also it's one of a handful of cars that can make your mood improve tenfold just by popping out for the usual daily chores ❤❤

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

It really is!

@anakinskywalker4113 Жыл бұрын

I am a massive Mercedes fan especially the W123. I have a 1985 blue 230E which is one of my daily drivers it is utterly bomb proof. it will always work regardless of how badly I treated her the day before. She is fully restored & in tip top condition. As a mechanic myself I take pride in that. However I have 1 problem with yours that is the manual gearbox. A Mercedes with a manual is a real no, no. Down in Australia. 75’% of ours were automatics & they are the ones to go for at least down under. I am so glad you went with a petrol powered W123. I like the diesels but they are expensive & not many people know how to work on where I am.

@MotorWisdom 8 ай бұрын

Great car bro. I'm happy for you.

@simonCharles-v5x Жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful car

@MrMfaust5 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations Joe! The MB W123 is probably the best car ever built! I'm saying probably because I'm making allowance for the W124 😎 👍👍

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

@petercollingwood522 11 ай бұрын

The 123 is better than the 124. And I agree. The best car ever built, no probably about it. I've owned three and hope to have another in the future which will probably outlast me.

@MrMfaust5 11 ай бұрын

@@petercollingwood522 Indeed, it's a very comfortable and durable vehicle.

@eujeniu8527 Жыл бұрын

A beautiful one! Congratulations!

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

@monk3yboy69 Жыл бұрын

I had a 1983 200 in cream with beige leather interior. In South Africa…..it had no a/c . Hot as hell . I’m not jealous….at all. Enjoy .

@user-ru6wj3vd6h 2 ай бұрын

that's a nice car and a good man

@NativeMainer53 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations and a great review

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@michaelsimpson3548 Жыл бұрын

Enjoy your ride. A little tip, first pull the oil filter before drain the pan.

@iDayno Жыл бұрын

Congrats, I'm going to collect my new W123 from WB & Sons tomorrow! :)

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Enjoy it!

@iDayno Жыл бұрын

@@ClassicsWorldUK thank you, pleased to report it got me back ok, not without hiccup though :P

@seanburke5686 Жыл бұрын

Had one of these in 1998 , metallic green 280 e , no frills other than the electric sunroof , paid next to nothing for it yet the most missed car if my life xxx

@magnusmikkelsen539 Жыл бұрын

I had a stw 300tdt. Amazing car

@michaelhynds8035 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic car and super video. Thank you.

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@michaelhynds8035 Жыл бұрын

@@ClassicsWorldUK yes, very much. W123 great cars. I would have loved a 240D, or a 300D. 230E lovely too, although I have a penchant for Diesel engines.

@TheVintageApplianceEmporium Жыл бұрын

What a beautiful car. I'm very jealous 😁

@chrisdonnelly7401 Жыл бұрын

really nice i missed a one a few years ago kicking myself now

@seang2822 Жыл бұрын

You also get rust under the front windscreen.. might be a good idea to take that out as well and inspect the sill… and reseal

@akrambaig2689 Жыл бұрын

All colours look nice on W123

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

I think so too!

@yeoldegamer5112 Жыл бұрын

And that's why if I have to transport a battery or similar I put them in the rear footwell 😉

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

Me too...now... -Joe

@yeoldegamer5112 Жыл бұрын

@@ClassicsWorldUK 😄 Looking forward to your dent removal vid!

@seancain7305 Жыл бұрын

Congrats

@cardiffchris Жыл бұрын

Beautiful example, we don't get too many gas versions in US.

@christosgerakinis2628 10 ай бұрын

Greatest mercs ever build Made to last 500yrs +

@stuartbritton4811 4 ай бұрын

It's this or the Lexus 430. Both great cars. The Lexus is what the Mercedes should have turned into. The Mercedes W123 was the last great Mercedes-Benz.

@Dr.Fiendish 11 ай бұрын

Never sell that car young man, you will regret it!

@ClassicsWorldUK 11 ай бұрын

I don't plan to!

@Jasongy827 4 ай бұрын

I was thinking about buying a vintage Mercedes, w123 or a w114 or w115

@TheNismo777 Жыл бұрын

Oh a 200E not a bad car, its a bit better than the 200D (deadly slow unless dropped from airplane) :D I recently drove a W124 200E and I was really impressed how it felt driving, its not slow even in the modern traffic speeds, just need to predict about 15sec before :D

@arnoillig4792 9 ай бұрын

Why don't you mention its price? Most important item you left out.

@notroll1279 Жыл бұрын

The DS is a fascinating car but it's another dimension of maintenance and you'll reach the point much sooner from where you'll need expert help.

@Captain_Scarlet_SIG Жыл бұрын

Was a Berlin taxi favourite and still is in the Middle East 🤣 from the end of an era of quality built Merc’s.

@adebrade172 Жыл бұрын

Top choice

@neviozivkovic4545 Жыл бұрын

IMO headlights are from 280 or 300D. I nearly bought a 280, but bought a 124 230E. My dad still has his 123 240D. I do have a 74 124 Sport😂.

@darrenwilson8042 Жыл бұрын

Probably the last Merc hewn from solid ..... ever since they have been built to a price. Thats for Merc - an assembly price they like but in terms of price and reputation they trade on the W123 legacy

@RupertFear Жыл бұрын

Excellent choice (but a wagon for me!)

@5amH45lam 11 ай бұрын

Pray silence for the greatest car ever made...

@LONEWOLF-dr6fg 8 ай бұрын

Well said brother 👍🏼 If you already have one, please do not try to sell it, I don't want you to regret it later! All the 123 models and not to mention the Volvo 240 and 244 GLE classic cars are the most unkillable machines ever made, if you take care of them, they'll definitely bring you home safely 💯🤞🏼 Have a great day Bro.

@tommyolsen8224 Жыл бұрын

My dream car to! 😍

@SA-yb7mt Жыл бұрын

Congratulations. Living the dream. I guess at a certaion age of a car one must make sacrifices like getting a 200 and not the better 230. Or choose the cloth over the MB Tex. But a manual?! No way. A Mercedes should be an auto.

@chriswilkinson1991 Жыл бұрын

Lovely, are you using it as a daily driver in all weathers all year round?

@ClassicsWorldUK Жыл бұрын

It’s being used regularly, at least two or three times weekly - has been fully rustproofed and cavity waxed!

@bigboss-oz2vi Жыл бұрын

when you know. you know.

@charliecoco2115 Жыл бұрын

How much did you pay for it please?

@colinhenry3551 5 ай бұрын

I would love a one of these personally,but will we be allowed to run a classic car with all the legislation thats coming in against the motorist ,

@qalba3016 Жыл бұрын

Can anyone reading my comment in Europe advise me where I can purchase a low mileage original clean W123 or C123 , like European websites that advertise these models, I live in 🇺🇸 and I’ve been looking for gasoline engine W123 for years and every thing in America for w123 is diesel, I love this body style so much but unfortunately I can’t find one Cheers 🥂

@derekdalton5658 Жыл бұрын

Love fact it's white as well. Tragedy in Australia is that most of our examples are cooked by the sun.

@Bizmyurt Жыл бұрын

280E, 250 or 230E.

@raypayne2228 Жыл бұрын

Hard to beat them, I’ve got a W123 230e that’s done 20 thousand k’s through off road outback Australia on charity rally’s in the last few years, one flat tyre, one blown shock and drives like a dream, and it’ll still be going when most of todays cars are recycled into white goods.

@user-ow1ub7dr3h Жыл бұрын

❤❤❤

@paullacey2999 Жыл бұрын

When Mercedes was run engineers,not accoutants who sell cars to any old riff raff

@MichailKnoller Жыл бұрын

I feel sorry for you. I had to drive them for about 200000 mi - that taught me everything. Petrol or diesel, saloon or estate - there was hardly anything worse. Oh, yes : Volkswagen T 3 diesel and turbodiesel....they really took the cake.

@petercollingwood522 11 ай бұрын

You sound like someone with mental problems.

@chazkdarwin3875 Ай бұрын

@@petercollingwood522 indeed, and someone who never drove a Beetle.

@petercollingwood522 Ай бұрын

@@chazkdarwin3875 Beetles are cool. The don't compare to 123's though.

@chazkdarwin3875 Ай бұрын

@@petercollingwood522 beetles are very cool, just horrible to drive. Lol

@arnoillig4792 9 ай бұрын

I'll bet that my 1982 W123 Turbodiesel is faster. Probably about 30% more horsepower my guess.

@Bizmyurt Жыл бұрын

A new car is not better on the road before +110 mph and actually they are worse city cars and on bad roads.