1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 280E review from UK and Ireland

All brake pads needed replacing (£200)

Re-conditioned steering column (£400)

New door/boot rubbers all round (£200 inc. fitting)

Erratic central locking

The W123 series (1976-1985) was the last chrome smothered Mercedes. It was also one of their greatest ever vehicles.

These cars were the epitome of quality when I was a child, hence my nostalgic purchase. The intervening years have seen them collapse in value to the humiliating "bargain basement", sub £1000 bracket - my bracket!

My car was smoke silver with an all black MB Tex interior. We nicknamed it Darth Vader.

Incidentally, MB Tex is more durable than the hide of a dinosaur. A quick wipe with a wet cloth and it will glisten as per showroom standard.

The body was in excellent condition and mechanically it seemed fine. I insisted on a new Ministry of Transport certificate (UK Government's yearly safety test) from the dealer. He was from Essex. It duly passed...somehow. The mechanic who later serviced the car told me it should never have got through and that I'd been "done"...by an Essex man... a new low. Rest assured I reported the MoT station.

£1500 later I had no reason for regret. The car was supremely reliable. It started first time every time throughout my tenure. It had a firm, but comfortable ride and a tremendous, leonine road presence. Any old Mercedes has a regal bearing, it in decent enough condition.

The engine was rated at 185bhp. It provided excellent acceleration. I managed a top speed indicated at 125mph with revs to spare. Highly impressive for a 20 year old car.

These cars are supremely solid. They exhibit the traditional, reassuring bank vault slam when the doors are closed.

It was, however, surprisingly cramped in the back for a largish car (over 15 ft). The fuel economy was also very poor. I would estimate an overall figure of 20mpg, which is worse than my 420SEL.

Rust is also an issue, as with any 70s design. W123s suffer around the wheel arches epecially.

I decided to sell when a mysterious humming sound made itself known from the rear. A mechanic advised it was wear within the axle and a £600 fix. It was time for another banger...

NB These cars are highly regarded in West Africa due to their extreme longevity. An unfortunate corollary is the spate of thefts, especially in the London area, to ship them overseas.