For seasoned classic car enthusiasts, the mantra is often “buy the best example you can afford.” While pristine, top-tier classics have their appeal, sometimes the real adventure lies in finding a diamond in the rough. What if you stumble upon a classic car when you least expect it? The decision to dive in often depends on the car’s intended purpose. Are you seeking a concours-ready showpiece or aiming for a quick profit? In those cases, pristine condition is key. But what if you’re a hands-on enthusiast, someone who enjoys tinkering, cherishes long-term ownership, and values the journey over pristine perfection? Perhaps, taking a chance on a well-loved, slightly weathered classic is exactly where the fun begins. And when it comes to robust, characterful classics ripe for enjoyment, a Mercedes Benz 240d For Sale presents a compelling option.
Recently, while casually browsing online, I wasn’t actively searching for a new project car. However, having recently passed on my dependable 2006 Mercedes E320 CDI diesel, a void had opened in my garage. It was then, amidst procrastination and household chores, that I encountered an intriguing listing: a 1983 Mercedes 240D advertised for a mere $1800. This particular model ticked all the right boxes for a 240D enthusiast: a desirable manual transmission, practical manual windows, and a sought-after sunroof. Finished in the iconic Light Ivory (reminiscent of German taxi cabs) with a Palomino MB-Tex interior, and boasting a remarkable 35-year single-family ownership history, purchased from a close neighbor who was the original owner, this 240D seemed too interesting to ignore. Given the rising popularity and appreciating values of Mercedes W123 diesels across the board, regardless of condition, I felt compelled to investigate further. Could this be the ideal Mercedes Benz 240D for sale for a classic car devotee?
The seller was located in the scenic Northern Virginia countryside, about an hour’s drive from my home. My wife and I decided to turn the car viewing into a pleasant day trip. We planned a leisurely drive, an inspection of the Mercedes Benz 240D for sale, a lunch stop at the renowned Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, VA, and a scenic, winding route home. As we approached the seller’s property and rounded the final bend in the long driveway, the car came into view, parked in a field. It looked every bit the part of a well-loved, slightly aged 240D. The seller greeted us warmly, presenting a manila folder overflowing with decades of service records and documentation. He shared stories of the car being his mother’s cherished possession, acquired from a neighbor, and later passed down to him. He recounted how this Mercedes 240D had been the family car, bringing his newborns home from the hospital, and a true member of the family. However, in recent years, it had seen little use and was now seeking a new owner to appreciate and drive it. This history added a layer of emotional appeal to this Mercedes Benz 240D for sale.
My first question was whether we could start the engine. The seller readily handed over the keys, assuring me it would start instantly – and it did. While the glow plug light didn’t illuminate, this was a minor concern for a car that had been sitting for an extended period. It often indicates a simple issue like a faulty glow plug or relay. More importantly, the engine ran smoothly, just as a robust 240D diesel should. While the engine idled, I examined the interior. There were a few hairline cracks on the dashboard, some discoloration on the MB-Tex seats, and a slightly musty odor, mingling with the distinctive aroma of Palomino Tex – all characteristic of a car of this age. Crucially, all essential functions seemed operational: lights, signals, sunroof, blower, and even the original Becker Europa radio with its power Hirschmann antenna worked flawlessly. The seller disclosed that the air conditioning was non-functional, but at the asking price, this was hardly surprising. The tires, with date codes from 2000, were clearly past their prime, so our test drive was limited to the driveway – but it moved under its own power. For a Mercedes Benz 240D for sale at this price point, things were looking promising.
A closer inspection of the car’s underside and body revealed evidence of its period of inactivity – cobwebs and some perished chassis rubber were apparent. The paint on the upper surfaces exhibited significant oxidation, but being single-stage paint, I was optimistic that it could be buffed back to life. The body had a few minor dents and remarkably minimal rust, confined to typical W123 weak spots near the wheel arches. Notably, there was no significant rot, and the floorboards were impressively solid – better than many I had encountered. My wife and I discussed our impressions and agreed that we were charmed by the car and its history. I informed the seller that we would purchase the Mercedes Benz 240D for sale at his asking price, without haggling. We shook hands, and I promised to return in a week to collect it once my check cleared.
Given that the car ran well, and I happened to have a set of 14″ bundt alloy wheels fitted with nearly new Vredestein Sprint Classic tires (albeit in a slightly wider 205 profile), I decided to drive the Mercedes Benz 240D for sale home. I cleaned up the wheels, obtained Hagerty classic car insurance based on an agreed value, and prepared a space in my garage. The following Sunday, my wife and I returned to Virginia horse country, equipped with the wheels and a floor jack, ready to bring our new acquisition home.
Swapping the old wheels for the new alloys was straightforward. With the fresh tires mounted, we set off on our journey home. We opted again for a scenic back road route, avoiding the interstate, unsure how the car would behave after its long period of relative inactivity. Driving a classic diesel again after a few years required a slight adjustment, but the familiar, solid feel of these cars on the road quickly returned. While acceleration is leisurely, these cars are in their element cruising at 50-80 mph, a pace they can maintain effortlessly all day long. Owning a Mercedes Benz 240D for sale is about enjoying a different kind of driving experience.
However, as fate would have it, our journey wasn’t entirely without incident. Transitioning from winding country roads onto a 55mph four-lane highway, the car had been running smoothly. My wife followed behind in our truck, just in case. At a stop light, I called my TTS co-host Jonathan, put him on speakerphone, and began enthusiastically describing my “deal of the century” purchase. As if on cue, mid-sentence, a rhythmic thumping noise emanated from underneath the car. The noise was speed-dependent, not engine-related, immediately suggesting a driveshaft issue, with potential consequences ranging from mechanical damage to personal injury. I pulled over, joined my wife in the truck, and contacted Hagerty roadside assistance. Roadside assistance to the rescue! The Mercedes Benz 240D for sale and now purchased was towed to my trusted mechanic, about 30 miles away – surprise! We then proceeded to Hunter’s Head for a second lunch in as many weeks. Was this Mercedes Benz 240D for sale and bought too cheaply to be true? Time will tell.
Will this classic diesel overcome its mechanical challenge? Will the purchase prove to be a bargain or a costly endeavor? Stay tuned for the next chapter!
