Our Classic of the Month for August is the ideal starter classic car being a highly reliable and dependable, four door executive saloon, the W123 Mercedes.
This particular car is a 230E example which is owned and beautifully maintained by Club stalwarts, Steve and Marilyn Wilkinson. The car had originally been supplied to the Swiss Embassy in London in 1983, but 12 years later was exported to Cyprus. When Steve and Marilyn purchased the car approximately 10 years ago it was their ideal classic car.
However, there was one thing they could not live with. This being the original colour scheme, the paintwork being a non-descript beige colour. After much deliberation they finally choose a stunning paint combination of Alfa Romeo metallic red, with a Mercedes ivory roof and wheel trims. Unfortunately, the interior which was the original brown cloth was somewhat tired so this was re-trimmed in complimentary red leather.
The car is powered by the ultra reliable Mercedes four cylinder 2.3 litre, fuel injected, petrol engine which provides 134 hp and through a 4 speed automatic gear box is capable of a top speed of 112 mph.
Mercedes manufactured the W123 in various body styles, including saloons, coupes and estates, and engine sizes, from 2 litre petrol to 3 litre diesels. It gained a well deserved reputation for reliability with a build quality that cemented Mercedes standing as a manufacturer of quality executive cars. The stylish bodywork, which had just the right amount of chrome trim, clothed what were considered to be state of the art, but bullet proof mechanicals.
The W123 proved to be Mercedes most successful car ever, with over 2.7 million being produced from 1975 to 1986. The quality of the design and build is such that a significant number remain in daily use and made this the car of choice for taxi drivers the world over. As Steve says it also makes it the ideal choice for your first classic car.
If you would like to see this and other fantastic classic vehicles come to one of the many PCVC meetings. Full details can be found on our Facebook page, or, on our webpage (www.paphosclassicvehicleclub.com), or, telephone, 97760997.