Big_Stick
Member
You’ll find it in my newly-acquired silver 1981 W123 280TE automatic. It has 208,047 miles. Engine is near silent and still pulls like a train. Reverse gear has (just) started to go.
There is rust on the front and rear arches. Chrome parts are real chrome…no plastic at all.
The blue M-B Tex/Cloth interior is still beautiful though the driver’s seat base has collapsed. It looks virtually unworn..amazing..must be made from kryptonite or something. 7 seats are a bonus.
The ABS still works, as does the air con. Self-levelling rear suspension still works.
Alloys are unmarked and brake disks are shot. And it squeaks as much as my (now sold) 2003 C-Class. But unlike the C-Class there are no bare screw heads to look at in the cabin.
So why did I buy a car that cost £18,500 in 1981 for £250??
It is simply a beautiful car. I know nothing about early mercs but it is simply a stunning car to look at. Plus the ‘samey-ness’ of some modern cars is really beginning to bug me.
I had £28,000 budget to spend on a new car. Now I’ve set aside £10,000 to restore the 280TE, save myself £18,000 and have a real classy car to drive while saving myself a packet in company car tax. And no more stealerships for me..only the decent independants.
Yes, I am mad. Therapy advice welcome…
There is rust on the front and rear arches. Chrome parts are real chrome…no plastic at all.
The blue M-B Tex/Cloth interior is still beautiful though the driver’s seat base has collapsed. It looks virtually unworn..amazing..must be made from kryptonite or something. 7 seats are a bonus.
The ABS still works, as does the air con. Self-levelling rear suspension still works.
Alloys are unmarked and brake disks are shot. And it squeaks as much as my (now sold) 2003 C-Class. But unlike the C-Class there are no bare screw heads to look at in the cabin.
So why did I buy a car that cost £18,500 in 1981 for £250??
It is simply a beautiful car. I know nothing about early mercs but it is simply a stunning car to look at. Plus the ‘samey-ness’ of some modern cars is really beginning to bug me.
I had £28,000 budget to spend on a new car. Now I’ve set aside £10,000 to restore the 280TE, save myself £18,000 and have a real classy car to drive while saving myself a packet in company car tax. And no more stealerships for me..only the decent independants.
Yes, I am mad. Therapy advice welcome…