1985 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

300CD CD TD Coupe

5 - Cyl.

Automatic

WDBAB53A5FA265224

Diesel

1985 Mercedes 300CD Diesel Coupe 36K original miles Portland car from new No Reserve auction Up for bids is this super low mile Mercedes, a 1985 300CD.  If you follow this market you know that "low miles" for this model usually means 110K or 120K, as these diesel workhorses routinely rack up 400K plus in their service life.  To find one with under 100K is rare, and under 50K is unusual indeed.  This car was bought new at Rasmussen Mercedes here in Portland and was recently sold from the estate of the original owner.  Always dealer serviced, this car is a time warp example of the venerable W123 series.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available to view at the bottom of the page. Finished in beautiful Anthracite Gray, code DB172, the car presents very well.  The paint on this car is all original and in impressive condition - still appearing factory fresh, with excellent finish and gloss.  The body is free of dings or dents, and of course no rust problems anywhere on the car.  Having original paint grants the security of complete disclosure, what you see is what you get, this car has had no adverse history of any kind. All 4 wheels are perfect, and that's a word I don't use freely.  Tires are quality Bridgestone Insignias, they are 20 miles from new. All of the trim on the car is excellent.  Bumpers are unmarked and look terrific.  Both tail lights are in like new condition.  The car has had the desirable European headlight upgrade, with high quality Bosch glass lenses.  When the parking lamps are lit, a low wattage bulb glows in the headlamp bowl, a good look for this car at dusk. All of the glass is original to the car and in excellent condition with no scratches or chips.  The trunk retains a factory fresh feel, with excellent carpet, side cargo areas, and spare tire well. When the title was transferred last month it was requested that the DMV return the 1985 original that was submitted, it was stamped "for souvenir purposes", and comes with the car.  Also included are an owner's manual and brochures, the original gear shift selector knob, and factory touchup paint.  Additionally, a high quality car cover is included.   The interior continues the time warp theme, its rare chesnut color offers an elegant accent to the Anthracite exterior. The MB-Tex seats are in beautiful condition and present as new. The dash pad shows no splits or cracks. Wood trim is all in terrific condition. All power windows operate smoothly. Central locking function works as it should. Basically, every switch, knob and dial on this car operates just as it's intended to.  The car has a set of OE fit floor mats which have protected the carpet underneath since new.     The center armrest on these cars oftentimes serve as a litmus test, they tend to develop splits along the edge piping as they age, this one is perfect.  The back seat doesn't appear to have seen any occupants.  Both door panels are crisp and clean.  All of the car's weatherstripping is original and still like new. This is the type of car that can hold up to close scrutiny - the more you look, the more you'll like. The steering wheel reflects the car's low miles, those familiar with Mercedes cars from this era will appreciate just how much texture is present on this wheel, as most begin to become worn smooth from use after the first 100K miles. All gauges work correctly and show good readings.  Clock keeps accurate time.  Both ashtrays and lighter are unused, the interior still has a new car smell. All switches and controls are in like new condition, and all of them operate correctly.  The climate control functions as it should, including the stepped fan feature in auto mode.  The car retains its original Becker Grand Prix cassette radio, a very advanced unit for its time.  The headliner is in excellent condition with no flaws.  The rear parcel shelf is where the first aid kit is stowed.  This kit isn't just a couple of Band-Aids, it's an extensive tri-fold package with a very serious assortment of first aid supplies.  All of it is complete and unused.  For anyone that's driven a diesel W123, this car will be a revelation.  I've personally owned 6 of them over the years and am well accustomed to their, um, leisurely performance.  This car actually bolts right off the line with assertive and snappy acceleration.  Gearshifts are smooth and sure, the ride quality and suspension are tight and firm.  There's no substitute for driving a low mile car, this is one I know you'll be very pleased with. A nice feature on Mercedes automobiles from this era is the ability to raise the hood to a 90 degree position, offering excellent access to the engine bay.  This engine bay is all stock Mercedes, right down to the battery.  A battery tender has been installed for those that may need to store the car on occasion. As you can see, this engine bay is undetailed, I took a pass on slathering it in Armor-All like some of the ones you see on eBay.  What you're looking at simply reflects 36K miles of operation. If you own a diesel Mercedes from this era you'll appreciate these photos.  Hey, they all start off this clean, right? The undercarriage shows no sign of accident damage or rust issues anywhere. The diesel W123 series seem to attract a fan base from a wide variety of backgrounds. Whether you used to  own one, are planning to own one, or have memories from buying one new, the coupe on offer here is likely one of the best remaining examples extant. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price:   This car is being sold with NO RESERVE, the high bidder will own this car, it's a simple as that.  This auction ends Sunday, 5-15-11 at at 8 PM Pacific Time , 10 PM Central , 11 PM Eastern. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plates are not included unless the winning bidder is an Oregon resident.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Feel free to email me with any questions: mail(at)cascadiaclassic.com Thanks for looking!