I know, right? Able to be presented to a MB dealership and pass a pre-delivery inspection! Just imagine what they're able to charge for a "renewed one".

There's some great MB archival footage around 2:20. Shows a bit of high speed slalom and crash test footage. The w123 rolling over, about 3 times, is pretty impressive!

There's a guy somewhere in S. CA that "renews" MB's. Does amazing work, produces beautiful results. I'm sure there are a lot of members here that are familiar with his creations. >$100k for a diesel wagon! I'd say, if you bought low, now's the time to "sell high"!

https://www.mercedesmotoring.com/gallery

As for "Lexus": No comparison, IMHO. Apples to grapefruits. Lexus was created to be a competitor to cars like the W123 and MB, in general. When MB was developing the 123, Lexus wasn't even an idea. Lexus is a "creation" of Toyota, originally intended to horn in on the luxury sedan market. Obviously, a market Toyota wanted a "piece" of.

Although I've never driven an LS400, I've driven newer Lexus. I've also driven newer MB's. Again, and only my view, no comparison. I guess the bottom line, for me anyway....a Lexus is but a glorified Toyota (flame throwers set on "immolate"...lol).

A Mercedes Benz is a Mercedes Benz.