Mercedes Benz 280E W123

There are some cars that are enduring legends, renowned for one particular trait that stands head and shoulders above any other.

In the case of the Mercedes-Benz W123, that trait was (and still is) enduring quality – a car known throughout the world for its astonishing longevity and exquisite build quality, be it as a two-door boulevard cruiser with a smooth six-cylinder engine, a versatile family wagon or a million-plus kilometre taxi cab still plying its trade at an African rank, enjoying a second life after clocking up its first trip to the moon and back in Europe.

The W123, you see, is just one of those cars that’s built to take it. Be that as an endurance rally car, working vehicle, family transport or long distance cruiser.

Wonderfully over-engineered like no car before or since and subtly, unobtrusively stylish at the same time. Between 1975 and 1986, it was quite simply one of the best cars in the world – if not the best in terms of build quality. It didn’t matter that it was dynamically quite ordinary, for here was a car that was an absolute legend in other areas. Comfort, quality and engineering were at the fore, along with a prestige and historic badge that was as old as the motor car itself.

And it’s those very traits that make the W123 as desirable today as it was back then.

All W123s are special – even glacially slow 200D taxi-spec models with vinyl trim and barely any standard equipment. But this one is especially interesting. It’s a one-owner from new car freshy imported from South Africa, with absolutely no sun damage to the bodywork or interior – astonishing given its history.