1978 | Mercedes-Benz 250

An immaculate, unrestored W123 in funky period colours and just 47k miles from new.

The colour is of course the first thing that grabs you on this car. Cayenne Orange is not commonly seen but it is a wonderfully period colour that suits this late 70s W123 so well. Particularly as it is combined with a reddish-brown cloth and vinyl trim.

Sold new by Jim Russell Mercedes in Downham Market, Norfolk in mid ’78. It was specified with the six-cylinder 2.5-litre, carburettor engine and an automatic gearbox. The windows are wind-up and a Blaupunkt radio provided entertainment.

The first owner only had the car for two years covering 10k miles. It was then sold to a Robert Fitzgerald and it remained in the Fitzgerald family for 31 years (father and son). The Mercedes was always garaged, used sparingly and never taken out in the rain. It was maintained by Fitzgerald’s garage during their tenure.

In 2011 it was sold to a Mr Harris who showed the car at Mercedes club events. The car also features in the Buckley/Cosovich W123 book as an example of the rare 250.

The car remained in collectors’ hands to date, with the last owner purchasing the car in 2021 with 38k miles and has not only enjoyed the car, taking it to its current 47k miles, but also invested in the car to make it as good as it can be.

Recent work has included an engine, cooling system and carburettor rebuild by Steve Redfearn. The braking system was overhauled by a previous owner, and all tyres have been replaced with Continentals.

The body is exceptional. Early W123s were particularly prone to corrosion and this car, thanks to a sheltered life, is rust-free and original underneath – no repairs, just in lovely original condition. The body is around 75% original paint and, as the pictures show, immaculate. All the brightwork is in superb condition too.

The interior is, quite simply, box fresh. No wear or fade, it retains in factory fresh condition. The underbonnet area is nicely detailed, remaining in excellent, original condition.

As you would expect it drives beautifully too.

Comes with its original books/manuals, a file of paperwork including all the recent bills from Steve Redfearn, details of the cars history from new and previous MoTs.

Registered as historic making it MoT, tax and ULEZ exempt.

Whilst W123 saloons cannot be considered rare cars, however pristine, beautifully preserved, low mileage examples, particularly of the early generation are very rare indeed and represent incredible value for money compared with the costs of restoring an average W123.

A very special car in wonderfully period colours.