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W123 HELPLINE Article first published in January 2000
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| PRICES
The most common request I receive about W123 series cars is 'what are they worth?' As I have owned almost every model and restored a number of these superb vehicles I will put my neck on the block and tell you what I think. Firstly there is little doubt now that the W123 series cars are indeed 'Classics', but as in all such things, rarity makes items - cars included - more valuable. At the moment, there is no shortage of W123 cars about and of these only certain models are the most collectable. The later models, from 1982 to 1985 are the most sought after as they have many improvements (see my earlier articles) over the older models. Of these, the fuel injected saloons and coupes are of most interest, Estate cars in good order are now extremely difficult to locate. Most of these late cars are well equipped and this adds to their value - although it can make them more difficult to restore. Cars with serious chassis corrosion or repairs are of little value - only perhaps a few hundred pounds. The integrity of the vehicle has been lost, and they can only be described as 'Daily Drivers'. The next group of cars is the danger zone. These are vehicles which are still very presentable to the untrained eye and seem a very good buy at £2-3,000. Invariably they need approximately the same amount or more spent on them, to restore them to original order. Even the very last of them produced, in 1985 such as the example I am currently working on, will need the replacement of many costly items. It is simply not possible for any car of 15 years and over not to need most of its running gear replaced. For example, five tyres, new discs all round, a proper MB exhaust, shock absorbers, steering damper, flexible hoses and handbrake cables etc will easily cost as much as the car did. And remember we haven't looked at the bodywork engine, gearbox or interior yet! High mileage four cylinder engines always need rebuilds and are costly if original parts are to be used, budget around £1500 -£2000 for a properly built engine, around £4000 for a genuine factory replacement. Finally we approach the top end of the market these are original low mileage examples or vehicles which have been thoroughly and comprehensively restored to original standards. |
The coupes, being most sought after, can
command prices over £10,000, especially if equipped with leather
interiors, ABS and various other top of the range goodies. Top prices
for saloons and estates are around £6-7,000. But remember, these are
cars which are faultless and are worthy of entry into concours shows. I
have heard of some approaching £10,000 in private sales. The market for
these cars is curious. It has steadily appreciated over the last few
years and now late model W123s in A1 order are worth considerably more
than newer W1 24s, but the buyers are becoming much more discerning, and
cars which are in quite good order, but lacking in any small way, do not
approach these figures. So you can see how varied the price range is,
and why I have been reluctant to offer valuations over the phone, about
cars I haven't seen.
The simple truth is that there are no bargains out there - as with all classic cars, you get what you pay for, but at less than £10,000, mint condition vehicles must represent something approaching good value. Of these vehicles it's best to beware of little-used original examples as I have seen a number of these, and although in excellent order, they still have required a lot of work to bring them up to standard. The majority of these cars are now going to cherished ownership where they are very much cared for. It is my honest opinion that there is only one way these prices are going as restored and superb original cars start to become even more desirable. That's about it for this issue, just a last word of warning to all you Coupe and 280E owners. I have had a call from a MB Club member who awoke to find the rear bumper of his Coupe missing one morning! Thieves obviously work to demand, and it's a sure sign of rising values, as the complete three piece bumper is now nearly £500 !! |
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