Source
Looking at the picture sure sends nostalgic chills down my mind and I am more than happy to be discussing this car which was once a top range Mercedes Benz executive cars of the mid 70s through the late 80s.
The Mercedes Benz W123.
According to the numbers, the W123 models was seriously successful and was said to have to sold more than selling 2.7 million units before the company stopped production 1985.
The W123 was so hot on demand that, car lovers who couldn't wait for their turn to get the car released due to the long list of wait, doled out as much as 5,000 Deutsche Mark in the black markets to just own it.
Performance
According to the German car maker, the W123 gained the reputation of being over-engineered, well-built, durable, reliable and was the choice of many taxi companies given its design and engineering. It also needed little mechanical maintenance like the previous models.- Source.
The car was also rugged with the ability to travel on rough terrains with minimal maintenance. It also has a modern look that made it a collector's choice and everyone wanted to have this executive car that was so much in demand.
Funfact:
Did you know that once the W123 reached the end of service life, they were often shipped to Africa and other third world countries because of their ability to be used on rough road which is a common sight there?
A brief story.
Growing up in a 'third world country', where only the elites are known to use Mercedes Benz and Citreons in the 70s and 80s has its own unique story that never goes away. I still remember seeing this particular car when it was bought by one rich man then.
Back then in our neighborhood, there was just one rich man and he was a corrupt government official who was later sent to prison for stealing public funds.
The first time I saw the car was on a Wednesday evening when the man returned from his trip with a white W123 Mercedes Benz car as seen in the picture above.
As usual, there was a feast that night as neighbors trooped into his compound to see the German machine.
Having money in the 70s was exclusively reserved for a few people then and if you fall on that list, you will always be in the eyes of the public.
It was the best car in the community then and whenever he was driving around, children run after him to touch the car while adults watched in envy and waved excitedly.
Funfact:
Did you know I had a chance to look into the car and touch the seat 1 year later when I walked in on the security guard washing the car? |The feeling was surreal and it has the best smell ever.
Towards the end of the 80s and early 90s, the car became a must have for anyone looking to show they have prestige and as the years rolled by, we started seeing the car everywhere.
It became a status car for many in the public and private sectors and anyone looking show they are rich, they bought the new ones as against the used ones.
Fast forward to the 2019 model (I will not be writing about it).
Source.
Fast forward to today, the above car is what a Mercedes Benz executive car looks like and I can assure you that 20 years from today, it will look like an antique.
Innovation is key and it keeps changing the way we view things and get involved with the way the world changes.
One question: Which of the models will you like to have?