Mercedes launched its W123 range to huge acclaim in 1976. Fabulously well built and with gracefully understated styling.

Best of the estates was the 280TE which had a creamy smooth fuel-injected twin-cam 2.8-litre straight-six which produced an impressive 185bhp and had a top speed of 125mph. An impressively solid and reliable load lugger, it sold steadily until it was finally replaced by the W124 range in 1985.

Equipment includes: power steering; rear wash/wipe; 3 x rear head restraints; Alpine stereo CD player; Hirschman ariel; alloy wheels and seating for seven.  The original tools and first aid kit are still present, along with all the original handbooks in the correct folder. The car has covered some 130,000 kilometers from new. Said to drive beautifully, it comes with an MOT until next February and is taxed until the end of March.

It may be a particularly well-pampered example, but this car is testament to a Mercedes build quality that is sadly no longer with us. Just try closing those doors – they don’t make ‘em like that anymore…