The truly venerable Mercedes-Benz W123 Series of 1979–1985 deserves a closer look. Nearly 2.7 million examples of all styles were built and have won respect the world over as some of the most reliable vehicles ever made. Sold as utilitarian transportation, they were equally at home as mid-size luxury cars, and a highly successful chapter in the Mercedes-Benz story. Today, some 45 years since the model’s introduction, and thanks to their timeless Bruno Sacco and Friedrich Geiger design, W123s have gained an international following as one of the last upright-grille, chrome-bumper Mercedes-Benz models. It is not uncommon to see W123s affixed with official Mercedes-Benz cloisonné badges honoring a particular car’s achievement of 500,000 or even 1,000,000 miles.

According to its warranty card and service plate, this beautifully preserved 300 D sedan is presented in Manganese Brown Metallic (DB 480) and was sold to its first owner, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, by Vin Devers Mercedes-Benz in nearby Sylvania. It remained in his possession until 2000, and was with his extended family until 2020; it was acquired by the consignor late that year. Under his care, the 300 D has received extensive mechanical service totaling nearly $13,000, and presents beautifully throughout. A particularly important model in the Mercedes-Benz success story, this 34,000-mile W123-series 300 D is deserving of a place in the collection of any devotee of the marque.