1979 Mercedes-Benz 280E Sedan

The original compact W114/115 range of Mercedes-Benz models had proven so successful for the Stuttgart company, it was hard to see how their engineers could improve on what was an already outstanding motor car, but the replacement W123 managed to set new benchmarks for quality, safety and luxury. Launched at Geneva in 1976, the W123 range comprised both four and six-cylinder models, with a combination of carburettor and injected engines. With neat, contemporary styling that was unmistakably Mercedes-Benz, the W123 had passive safety features years ahead of their time, with careful attention paid to crumple zones, side-impact protection, interior padding, a steering column that deflected sideways as well as telescoping in the event of a collision. Active safety features also played a part, with all round disc brakes, zero-offset steering geometry and more. The top of the range was the 280E, featuring a DOHC M110 in-line six using Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and putting out 177 bhp (185 bhp after the compression ratio was lifted in 1978), enough to propel the car along at very respectable speeds. The six-cylinder models also boasted higher equipment levels, particularly in right-hand drive markets, where power steering and automatic transmission were both standard, in and general ergonomics on the car was cutting edge. The W123 dates from an era when Mercedes-Benz really did set the benchmark for build quality and it's not uncommon to find well cared for cars doing daily service today, many showing incredible mileage.