Tag Archives: W123
I’m pretty sure that there is an unspoken cap of four vehicles on my fleet. Well, we’ve had five before, but only when there was a decisive exit strategy for one of them. Beyond that, my W140 S600 has been at the shop for about four weeks now for a new rear main seal, valve cover gaskets, and to trace a mystery battery drain that only happens when I lock the doors (!), so my automotive cash situation is tentative to say the least. Otherwise, I would have bought this grey market beauty already for the paltry $3,000 that the seller is asking. Show me another car that exudes presence the way that the W126 does, has working windows, sunroof, aircon, and a rebuilt motor and transmission, and rare perfect velour upholstery that has been covered since new. You can’t, can you? Find this one here on BenzWorld in Phoenix, Arizona.
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4 Comments | tags: 280SE, 380SE, 420SE, 500SE, 560SE, 7-series, BMW 728i, BMW 732i, BMW 735i, BMW E23, Euro-spec, European Headlights, German Cars, Grey-market, M110, Mercedes-Benz, W123, W126 | posted in Totally That Stupid
It’s no secret that we really like Euro market oddities for sale on U.S. shores. The problem is that the owners usually think very highly of them due to their uniqueness, or they are rusty. Really rusty. So when a reasonably-priced Euro-market car comes along, we pay attention. When a really cheap one comes along, we keep going back to the listing, send multiple questions to the seller, and try to figure out why. This 1984 Mercedes-Benz 230E available on eBay with a buy-it-now price of only $1,400 is just such a car. If not for a lack of space and not wanting to explain myself at home, I’d have bought it already.
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5 Comments | tags: 230E, European Headlights, Gray Market, Grey-market, M102, M103, M110, Mercedes 190E, Mercedes-Benz, W123, w201 | posted in Totally That Stupid
It’s been a while since my last Garage Corner post, partly because I, myself, can’t even keep up with the recent changes. Actually, there’s really only been one major change, but it happened so quickly that I’m still not totally sure what I did, or whether I’m happy about it. This week’s trip to Germany and England didn’t help much either, because I seem to have developed a taste for a few cars of a very different breed from my latest acquisition: this Anthracite Grey on Palomino MBTex 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel.
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3 Comments | tags: 300D Turbodiesel, 300DT, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz, Nürburgring, Porsche 911, Techno Classica Essen, Volkswagen Golf GTI, W123 | posted in Fleet Update
This is the obligatory 2013 Techno Classica Essen picture of Hall 10 at the Messe Essen convention center which has housed this event since its inception. But this hall barely scratches the surface. In fact, Techno Classica is comprised of displays in 17 interior halls, 3 outdoor open-air “markets”, and a covered vendor gallery. There is also food. And beer. Both German, and both really very tasty! Try as you might, there is really no way to take in the whole show in just a day (That’s a hint by the way. When you plan to come to next year’s event, plan on at least two days).
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1 Comment | tags: 300D Turbodiesel, 911 GTS Carrera4, Classic & Sports Car, Classic Cars, Fiat X1/9, Germany, Mercedes-Benz, Nürburgring, Opel Ascona, Porsche 911, Porsche Vanagon, Techno Classica Essen, Volkswagen Passat, W123 | posted in Commentary, Totally That Stupid
So it’s press day at Techno Classica Essen here in the sunny Eastern Bloc-era grey concrete jungle that is Essen, Germany. As promised in yesterday’s comments, one of my first jobs here at the show was to report back on the interesting cars for sale. Specifically, cars that are interesting to us that were either a) never for sale in the US, or b) are so incredibly hard to find in the States that you’re better off buying them here. Bear in mind as I discuss prices that this is the first day, so all of the cars carry the obligatory classic car show markup. Real selling prices should be expected to be lower. Significantly lower.
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Leave a comment | tags: 124, 3-series, Alfa Romeo, Alfetta, Baur, BMW, E34, Fiat, Fintail, Giulia TI, Heckflosse, Mercedes-Benz, Ponton, Porsche 911SC, Techno Classica Essen, W108, W114, W115, W123, W126 | posted in Dealer's Lot, Totally That Stupid
Sometimes I find that if I post cars that are interesting (to me…) here, it keeps me from doing something stupid like buying them. This car is an excellent example of me trying to do that. I want this car. I’ve been a fan of the Mercedes 123-series cars since I was a kid, and have owned more than a few of them, including 240s, 280s, and 300s, diesel and gas. My favorites, though, are the 3.0 turbodiesel variants. That motor and the distinctive sounds and smells it makes are among my favorite automotive sensory experiences. I also like the way they look and drive. Find this steal of a coupe here on the PeachParts Mercedes Forum for $4,100.
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Leave a comment | tags: 240D, 280E, 300CD-T, 300D, 300SD, 300TD, C123, Mercedes-Benz, Steve Jobs, Turbodiesel, W123 | posted in Totally That Stupid
The Main Event: Techno Classica 2012
This is the obligatory 2013 Techno Classica Essen picture of Hall 10 at the Messe Essen convention center which has housed this event since its inception. But this hall barely scratches the surface. In fact, Techno Classica is comprised of displays in 17 interior halls, 3 outdoor open-air “markets”, and a covered vendor gallery. There is also food. And beer. Both German, and both really very tasty! Try as you might, there is really no way to take in the whole show in just a day (That’s a hint by the way. When you plan to come to next year’s event, plan on at least two days).
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1 Comment | tags: 300D Turbodiesel, 911 GTS Carrera4, Classic & Sports Car, Classic Cars, Fiat X1/9, Germany, Mercedes-Benz, Nürburgring, Opel Ascona, Porsche 911, Porsche Vanagon, Techno Classica Essen, Volkswagen Passat, W123 | posted in Commentary, Totally That Stupid