1981 Mercedes-Benz European Model 300D Diesel Sedan

Rare Lapis Blue Metallic Exterior / Blue Velour Interior

57,500 documented miles since new

VIN: WDB12313012266716

The W123 chassis are among the most durable, stylish, and sought after automobiles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. This is an amazing example of one of the limited few that still remain phenomenally well preserved.

Please feel free to Google me, JG Francis and Mercedes Motoring, to see more about my restorations and lifestyle with Mercedes-Benz. I have been the focus of several Mercedes-Benz produced documentaries which highlight my enthusiasm and experience with Mercedes-Benz.

Description: RARE Lapis Blue Metallic exterior (MB Paint Code 932 H) with RARE Blue Velour interior. 5-Cylinder, 3.0 liter, Bosch fuel-injected, naturally aspirated diesel, single overhead cam, 4-speed automatic transmission, power assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel independent suspension, air conditioning, power windows in front, manual roll-up windows in rear, central locking, power steering, original Becker Europa AM/FM cassette stereo with manual Hirschmann antenna, electrically heated rear windshield, quartz chronometer, 3-way adjustable front driver’s seat, 2-way adjustable passenger seat, 14" x 5.5" steel wheels with factory Mercedes-Benz lug nuts, cadmium plated hubcap clips, and matching stainless steel lapis blue metallic hubcaps, era-correct pinstripe, rear center folding arm rests, front center cargo tray, right and left manual adjustable side view mirrors, vacuum adjustable European headlights, halogen head lamps, halogen fog lamps, 3-speed windshield wiper with 5-second mist interval control, combed wool carpet, 5-piece custom coco mat kit, driver accessible rear dome light switch, driver adjustable idle control, headlamp turn-off warning device, optional right and left side controlled parking light illumination, full spare and tool kit, road-side trunk reflector, first-aid kit, original German Owner's Manual and German Maintenance Booklet, along with other Mercedes-Benz literature from original purchase. Free and clear title.

Exterior Condition: The Lapis Blue Metallic paint is 100% original. The car is 100% rust free. The condition is absolutely phenomenal! The paint is clear and deep, not faded or oxidized, and literally shines like brand new. There are a few - very, very minor blemishes, but the overall impression is astonishing. The polished anodized aluminum trim is brilliant, without any fading, a telltale indicator of a car that has always been garage kept. Both the front and rear bumpers are in excellent condition without any scratches in the chrome, and the rubber end cap body sleeves and impact strips are in like new condition as well. The original belt molding body trim, which trims all of the doors, fenders, quarter panels, and trunk is in excellent condition without fading, chips, or scratches. The 14" steel wheels and hubcaps are original, and in astonishingly excellent condition. The Michelin Defenders 195/70/R14 tires are brand new, factory spare has never been used, and the original factory tool kit is still in its plastic packaging. The trunk compartment is excellent and appears to have never been used. Era correct pinstripe is flawless. The original door seals, trunk seal, glass seals, rubber weather-stripping, etc., are in phenomenal like new condition and are still soft, pliable and not cracked or deteriorating in any way. The glass is all in excellent condition. The chrome grill is excellent. The headlamps, side markers, and all of the emblems are bright, shiny, and excellent. The tail lights are bright and flawless without scratches or fading.

NOTE: THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND SEVERAL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CAR STILL HAVE THE FACTORY COSMOLINE UNDERCOATING (A PROTECTIVE WAX SEALANT TO PREVENT RUST AND/OR CORROSION), AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO RUST ANYWHERE ON THE CAR.

Interior Condition: The interior of this sedan is absolutely stunning! The Blue Velour is in excellent like new condition. All interior colors are deep, saturated, and free from sun damage. The original carpet is flawless, without any stains, fading, unraveling, and it has virtually no wear whatsoever. The headliner looks brand new. The sun visor bolster and sun visors look brand new. The door panels and map pockets are excellent without any cracks, scuffs or tears. The original unopened first-aid kit appears to have never been used. The instrument cluster is in excellent condition. The accessory switches, knobs, buttons, turn signal lever, etc., are in excellent condition without any faded symbols, and they are all in proper working order. The steering wheel is firm to the grip without any twisting or slack. The roadside trunk reflector, original in-the-package unused tool kit, jack, etc., are all in excellent condition. The backseat looks like no one has ever sat in it.

Mechanical Condition: This car looks, runs, and drives fantastic! The engine compartment is simply spectacular, almost to the point of looking restored, yet it is original. It has been driven regularly, but sparingly since new, and has never sat for any extended period of time. It has been exceptionally well maintained since new, and has never missed a single scheduled service. Its durable and fuel efficient 3.0 liter, 5-cylinder diesel motor is smooth and strong, and it gets an average of 27 MPG. Cold starts are instantaneous, which is validation to its low miles, and the motor, chassis, and engine compartment are exceptionally clean and dry. The transmission shifts sure, timely, and proper. Independent suspension is solid and comfortable, and the steering is tight and responsive without any play. New hood insulation pad. New fuel filters. New fuel line return hoses. New radiator hoses. New belts. Recently the car received its scheduled maintenance service which included, new front and rear brake pads, valve adjustment, new fuses. Recently replaced tie rod ends, drag link, steering shock, upper lower control arm bushings, and motor mounts. There are currently no pending maintenance issues.

Accessories Condition: All windows function excellent, and have a resistance to them of being lightly used. All of the knobs and switches feel lightly used based on their respective resistance, as well. Central locking works fast and excellent. Heater/defroster work excellent, and blow heat from the proper vents. Air conditioning works excellent! Becker Europa AM/FM cassette stereo works excellent, along with manual antenna. Instrument cluster gauges all work excellent, including; clock, odometer, tripometer, rheostat illumination switch, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, etc., Seats adjust smooth and proper. Glove box compartment opens/closes properly. Headlights work excellent, along with high beams, fog lights, brake lights, parking lights (side markers), reverse lights, both dome lights, turn signals, trunk light, license plate lights, glove compartment light, accessory switch illumination lights, instrument cluster lights, etc.

History: I purchased the car from the original owner earlier this year and have performed an extensive reconditioning/restoration, while simultaneously respecting the astonishing originality.

Please feel free to Google me, JG Francis and Mercedes Motoring, to see more about my restorations and lifestyle with Mercedes-Benz. I have been the focus of several Mercedes-Benz produced documentaries which highlight my enthusiasm and experience with Mercedes-Benz.

This car can be seen in Glendale, California. Please contact me to set up a viewing if you're seriously interested. The reserve has been set fairly close to the Buy It Now price. We can help arrange shipping at the buyer's expense. Thank you for reading.