>>>I think it's great that people still see the value of these old cars and are willing to pay a premium for them.

Am thinking that's actually a 114 chassis, based on the larger grill.

Compared with w123..... the earlier model 114 has much larger trunk space, better center console, slightly roomier interior and larger engine compartment.

It also weighs about 500 lbs less than the w123, so it should be quicker off the line. I believe the 300Diesel was available in this body style only 2 yrs.

Drawbacks and weaknesses of the 114 include inaccessible heat blower motor (if it ever dies), driveline center support bearing that wears out at about 120k miles and an incredibly light rear-end that requires 50 lb. sandbags in the trunk for driving in snow.

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'80 300SD/ w116
'79 240D 4-spd
'71 750cc Guzzi

previously owned:

'83 240D 4-spd
'77 280SEL 4-spd
'74 280/8
'72 250/8
'65 220Sb 4-spd
'63 220Sb 4-spd
'63 190c 4-spd
'61 220Sb 4-spd
'60 190b 4-spd