| 1985 Mercedes Benz 300CD Turbo Diesel Coupe The Mercedes W123 series automobiles are widely regarded as among the most well engineered and beautiful cars ever made by the company. Produced between 1978 and 1985, they are truly the last of the "old-school" build, where cost of production was less important than elegance and longevity. The materials and techniques used to produce these automobiles were the last of an era. During the eight year production run, only 8007 turbo diesel 2-door coupes were made, all for the North American market, and only from 1981-1985. These cars are powered by the legendary OM 617 engine, thought by many to be the best engine Mercedes ever produced. This five-cylinder engine is known to have a virtually unlimited life span when maintained properly.
The 1985 model year is preferred by many, for among other reasons the fact that it is geared higher, using a 1985-only transmission and differential, meaning quieter operation and better fuel economy. The other main advantage with the 1985 is the simpler Climate Control III heating and air-conditioning system, which has proven over time to be superior to its predecessors in both ease of use and reliability.
This particular coupe started out as a champagne colored (MB code 702, Rauchsilber) California-market model. Two significant changes were made to the car along the way, one it had a glass-out, trim-off respray in the metallic silver-blue it now is, and two, the trap-oxidizer and other California emissions equipment were removed. This coupe also had its suspension beefed up and wider than stock tires added (705 instead of 195). The car is quiet and fast, stops straight and true, and the handling is incredible. The steering box and shock absorbers are new. It corners flat, and gobbles up bumps and dips like it's hungry for them. The previous owner of the car is the CEO of an aerospace company in Denver and he had the suspension tuned to achieve its peak performance.
The paint finish is in excellent condition with only a very few minor blemishes. There is one small oxidation bubble in the paint (about the size of a quarter) just behind the rear windshield. There is a small dent at the back of the passenger door about halfway up. There is a very thin scratch below the rear passenger window. There are a couple of scratches on the trailing edge of the hood. There is a blemish on the driver's side of the sunroof panel that was nearly impossible to photograph. There is a small dent on the decklid on the driver's side about halfway back (see details in pictures). In the photo of the "Turbo Diesel" emblem there are leaves between the S and the E and there is wax residue above the emblem. There is an area of missing paint on the valence below the bumper under the left headlight. There may be a couple other small imperfections in the paint, but overall the car presents beautifully. The pictures really tell the story . Obvious care was taken with the paint work originally, and the car has since been very well kept. It looks beautiful. There is zero rust other than the aforementioned. The chassis, floor, rockers; everything is completely rust-free. The wheels were just professionally media-blasted and repainted (MB Astral-silver & clearcoat, as per factory specs) and the tires are brand new BF Goodrich Radial T/A.
The interior is equally well preserved. Only the driver's area was really ever used. There are two very small cracks in the dashboard, one about an inch and a quarter long and the other about a half inch long. The wood has some crazing in the finish but no chipped or missing veneer, and the MB-Tex upholstery is basically flawless. The carpets are very acceptable, and the headliner is fine. Both the driver's and passenger's windows have minor vertical scratching near the trainling end, but otherwise all the glass is fine. The front windshield appears to have been replaced but the rear is factory Sigla and the side windows all factory Sekurit brand. All the windows work smoothly and properly, as does the sunroof. The radio is a modern head unit and the speakers are upgraded from original. It sounds excellent. Everything else electrical works, the lights, signals, wipers, horn, blower fan, etc. The only exception is the driver's door does not activate the dome light. Opening the passenger door does, and the light also works manually. All the gauges function properly, including the instrument cluster lighting rheostat and the fuel gauge. The fully operational A/C is still an R-12 system and it blows cold. Cooling, heating, and defrost work as they are supposed to, blowing where they should and when they should. The entire climate control system works as designed.
The engine sounds and feels as it would new. The transmission shifts properly. Steering, stopping, alignment and suspension are all as they should be. There is no evidence of this car ever having been in an accident or having had body work of any kind other than the color change. The panel fit is correct and the gaps are straight. The chrome, rubber, and plastic trim are in surprisingly good condition considering the car's age. There is a small amount of age/sun cracking in the exterior rubber side window seals (at the base of the glass) - more on the passenger's side than the driver's, but the front and rear windshield seals are like new. Headlight and taillight lenses are free of cracks and look virtually new. There are no drips or leaks under the car whatsoever. This car is comfortable, beautiful, and really fun to drive, and properly maintained it should provide many years of reliable and economical use.
Warranty Information
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.
Terms & Conditions
Winning Bidder must contact me within 24 hours of winning the item.
Deposit: Deposit of $500 must be paid within 48 hours of auction close. Bank wire transfer or PayPal are acceptable.
Payment: This car will be available for pickup or shipping when full payment (cash, wire transfer, or bank check) is received and cleared by my bank. Full payment must be received within 5 days.
Availability: I reserve the right to remove this listing due to local sale.
Shipping: Buyer responsible for shipping.
Condition: I have described the vehicle as accurately as possible and have included multiple photos to show the vehicle's condition. Condition can be subjective, however; the vehicle is being sold 'as is'. Please call if you would like more information, additional photos, or have any other questions: 303 875 9533. |
