Petrol Powered: 1980 Mercedes W123 280TE Estate – Sold?

January 18, 2022 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Before you start thinking, “Oh boy, another diesel-powered W123 Mercedes-Estate featured for Wagon Wednesday,” think again!  We came across this gray market, gas-powered, 1980 Mercedes-Benze 280TE 5-speed originally listed in December 2021 on Craigslist in Seattle, Washington. After they imported their not-sold-in-the-U.S. 280TE into Seattle in the fall of 1979, the original owner enjoyed the car through 1994.  At that point, they sold it to the current caretaker who has enjoyed and restored the car in the 27 years since.

Unfortunately, the second owner reports their car features a rebuilt title resulting from rear hatch damage incurred fifteen years ago.  Normally, the rebuilt title would have us move on to find other cars to feature, however, the seller’s long-term commitment to this rare W123 changed our minds. This Gray Market car features a Mercedes’ M110 2.8 Liter double-overhead-cam, inline-six, gas-powered engine. Originally equipped with a four-speed manual, the current caretaker swapped in a five-speed that helps this W123 achieve diesel-like 25mpg.

Currently offered for $15,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool values for a comparable U.S. 300TD reveals the private seller has their 280TE priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $7,000 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $17,300.

The Mercedes Club Kenya YouTube Channel features this vintage footage of various W123 Mercedes’ being put through their paces:

Here’s the seller’s detailed description:

“1980, W123 chassis, M110 Twin Cam CIS Engine(185 hp)
– Fully rebuilt with Mercedes parts approx. 20,000 Kmiles ago
– 2nd owner for the last 27 years, original owner imported to Seattle 10/1979
– 5 speed Manual Transmission (717.400), factory 4 speed manual transmission car
– All mechanicals, suspension, brakes kept in top shape
– Solid original Mercedes exhaust
– Manual Sunroof, HVAC controls & Windows
– Blue Cloth Interior, accept center split seat replaced with Mercedes Tex Seat sections
– 3rd Seat
-New original style Headliner
– Nice original interior, accept for typical Dash cracks
– Radio not installed, but factory wiring in place
– Headlight Wipers & Euro Headlights
– Starts instantly & runs smooth & cool
– Original rear SLS works excellent, all suspension in top shape
– All A/C service components recently replaced including A/C Compressor with R134 Seals
– BBS 15″ wheels & near new Pirelli tires
– W126 Vented front Disc Brakes
– Tachometer
– All new Mercedes Door, Windshield & Hatch seals
– I can include an additional set of round Headlights with Fog lights
– Original 14″ Bundts wheels included, warn tires
-Radio not installed, but all wiring inplace
– Has Rebuilt Title from rear Hatch only damage 15 years ago that was repaired
– No rust, always a Washington State car
– Car gets 25 mpg with the 5-speed transmission advantage
– I can also sell with the original 4 speed Manual Transmission installed for a reduced price.

Hope to sell to another enthusiast.“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280TE Estate?  Comment below and let us know!