This 230TE is a restoration project with the makings of a fantastic car. It has been in one family ownership since new and has mainly resided at the family’s castle in Scotland where it was mainly used during the shooting season.

 

123 estates are understandably desirable as they are the ultimate ‘do-everything’ classic, but they are so hard to find as most have been worked hard for 40 years so either no longer exist or are beyond salvation.

 

Supplied new by Motox of Oxford in 1983, it has Astral Silver paintwork with navy blue MB Tex interior. It has the desirable injected 2.3-litre engine with an automatic gearbox. Wind-up windows and wheel trims.

 

Little used but always garaged in recent years, it is running and driving, starts first time and drives really well, but it does not have an MoT.

 

Unlike most 123s, this estate is better than it looks (the reverse is usually the case). The underbody is in very solid condition and the car has not been patched up like most. The outer panels do need work or, in some cases, replacement, followed by a respray.

 

Mechanically, it needs a thorough service and recommissioning after a few years of inactivity.

 

The interior, which is usually tatty and very hard to replace, is in excellent condition. The load bay has always been protected with a rubber mat. All the interior needs is a good clean.

 

The car comes with all original books and the service book contains 15 stamps until 76,376 miles.

The rather nice registration number comes with the car too.

 

 You would be hard pressed to find a better 123 estate as a candidate for restoration. With low mileage, one family ownership, a great interior and solid underbody.