Sorry to hear about the BS road tax situation in Holland. Clearly a bunch of eco-freaks wanting to get rid of older vehicles. I agree that the rust seems bad but I don't think it's insurmountable. All just depends really on if you think baling out now would be better than sticking with it. Seems you have more skills than most and I'd think you can likely keep it going if you really wanted to. I assume you don't have and are not considering a new car? So without having to compare the cost of the road tax to that of a new car payment the cost of the tax looms larger as a consideration than it otherwise might. I agree with you that the 123 sedan is the best looking of the series. And if it were me and I were to keep it I would keep the original color. It's a nice color for that car and in general I prefer keeping cars original if doing a resto. Especially Mercedes. Either way good luck. Hope it works out.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S