Define 'newer cars'.....

Proper vin numbers, not serial numbers.

Not anything like what was posted earlier. That's a arrow pointed trim- not curved. My vote says it's not a refute, and the car in question is still a "fake", and suspect.

The decoder doesn't work for my 85's vin. It gives me what you just saw. :P

i never said the car was an anniversary edition--there is no such thing on a w123. i just made the point that mercedes has put similar emblems on curved peices of trim. my point had nothing to do with the thread but with that comment only.

Anniversary edition W123
 

I just purchased the 85 W123 in question. I didn't buy because it was reportedly an anniversary edition. I bought because the price looked okay and it appeared to be in good condition. The seller met me at the airport in Denver, the car appeared to be as advertised. I looked it over quickley and departed for my destination, some 1500 miles away. The car performed great and gave me absolutely no problems on my trip home. I got 28+ miles per gallon.
Now on to the topic, Anniversary Edition. I also have my doubts about such an animal, but there are definately some differences about this particular vehicle compared to other 85's I have. Obviously the wheels. I don't believe they were changed by any of the previos owners. Even the spare is the steel wheel and has had little road time on it. Another oddity is the instrument panel. It is the panel as one would find in a 76-81. It has the large clock and no tach. If this is an annversary edition, it would probably be the 10th anniversary of the W123 and perhaps modified by the dealer. I'm still searching to find out the true story.
Everything on this car works as it should and doesn't look as though it has the 139300 miles on it the the odometer states. That is to say, it looks better. It is immaculate!:)
This car was purchesed originally from a dealer in Denver. If anyone out there has any additional info, I would be eager to hear it. I'm hear to tell you, I think I made a great purchase at a very reasonable price.:D

Bob

When I was selling new Mercedes, in the '80s, dealers dolled up cars like this all of the time to try and set them apart from the other dealers' cars. Special Edition et al cars were abundant, as were custom vinyl tops, sunroofs, body kits, wheels, and lots of polished chrome. Even more common were the "decal race-car" modifications.

This badging is NOT the type nor style that Mercedes-Benz would apply on a car, straight-line plastic badging on curved trim? Not even GM did anything that tacky in '85.

It was added, whether by a dealer or an owner, doesn't matter nor add to its value. It will detract from its value in the eyes of most of those who buy 123s, most. Get out the heat gun and save that car from its leisure-suite grade badges.

heat gun

+1