This short video "popped" into my YT feed. Thought I'd share.

"This promotional video from our friends at W123 World celebrates the launch of the long awaited publication, 'Mercedes-Benz W123. The finest saloon car of the 20th Century?', Sponsored by Stahlwille. This video explains how the book came to be. Featuring interviews with renowned W123 expert Mark Cosovich and his co-author, motoring journalist Martin Buckley."


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZu9rAdMkoM

Nice. That was a good watch. Would love to get a totally renewed one.

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

I think the Lexus LS400 takes the cake for me, despite owning 4 W123s and no LS400s.

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1983 300D Midnight Blue
4 speed, W115 intake mani, non-EGR exhaust mani, KKK K26, 3 pc Euro bumpers, Lo-spec Euro headlights, AL129X, hubcaps, custom A/C

1987 300TD Smoke Silver
Euro headlights, thermostat relocation, coolant bypass mod, rebuilt Becker + Jehnert + Helix audio, OEM Oris roof boxes and surfboard racks, Euro towbar

1983 300TD Reed (Moss) Green / Dark Olive MB Tex Euro spec

1983 300TD Silver Blue / Blue cloth Euro spec, OM648 and 722.6, 15" hubcaps, W126 S2 brakes

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.

Why does such a business survive?
Because there was a P. T. Barnum, and he was spot on!

I sold my Euro 280TE Wagon a couple of years ago. It was a nice car. Full taxi spec with a 4 speed manual. It took about 2 years to sell and I had it for sale cheap. It's funny how different regions consider different cars.

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With best regards

Al

Because the gas cars don’t have the following, interest, and willing buyers that the diesels have.

I’ve seen super low mileage gas w123 cars selling for a fraction of much higher mileage diesels.

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

He certainly does get ahold of some very pristine W123s and "restores" them. They do look great I must say, but I've heard the mechanicals are usually not as well sorted as they should be. The dude is also a tool, he wouldn't even come over to me and my buddy's W123s at a car show to check them out. He was too busy showing off his cars. Not a true enthusiast if you ask me

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Don't know anything about the "guy". Know what you mean about being a "true enthusiast". Maybe he's a better photographer than mechanic.

Where and how do these guys FIND these pristine cars?!!

Hard to derive any true meaning from just a website. I just assumed (you know what happens with that) his mechanicals were as well sorted as his cosmetics.

Anyway, it's always great to see bright clear photos, with proper lighting and interesting/complimentary backgrounds, of these cars with exteriors and interiors in splendid condition (Benz porn....hahahaha)

I'm floored by the many color/texture combinations used throughout the years. Mercedes really left no stone unturned and successfully addressed all aspects of design and engineering with these great automobiles!

Which, in my opinion, goes a long way to explain why some are willing to pay, what seems to many to be, a ridiculously high price for a near perfect "example". Not the least of which is the current used/new car market. Completely insane and upside down as far as price. With a perfect vintage Benz, you're not only buying a car, but also a point in time/history. Buying a design philosophy long gone from any type of production. Buying a car that no longer exists and never will again. As for a new MB, a basic model is north of $80K. If you opt for a super nice one, you're well over $100k. IMHO, THATS the "PT Barnum" factor. i.e. majority of parts made/assembled in China, instrument panel is a big iPad laying horizontally behind the steering wheel, pretty much forget about doin any maint/repairs yourself (people that buy these cars new don't work on them anyway), etc, etc.

There exist many people that can afford to drop $100k on a car like I drop $20 on gas (which stings for a quarter tank ). If I were one of the elites, and had a choice between a fully restored, show room condition W123, and a brand new MB (and my bank account wasn't gonna notice either one), I know which one I'd pick

I’m not sure we have objective proof that the guy is really that bad. And it’s hearsay that the work he does on mechanicals is not up to par. That can mean many things.

Maybe there are other threads on the guy. Nice cosmetically updated cars are important. If the guy uses meyle or Uro parts, or leaves certain things… can get a bit more of a pass since those things can be done. A rusted junker is still a rusted junker. Value proposition aside for his vehicles (no idea how much he is asking).

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

All good and valid points. You are absolutely correct. Always best to NOT "shoot first and ask questions later". A simple concept with which I've had trouble my entire life
Thanks for keeping things on an even keel....... It's always good when "cooler heads (and keyboards) prevail".

Well, I have met him in person and that is just my opinion.

Others feel similarly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ixQeXOoQU

I would say Pierre is pretty opinionated on this matter so realistically JG probably lies somewhere in the middle.

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Thanks for sharing. Interesting perspective I’d never heard. I came upon those folks long ago when looking for my very clean and pristine 300cd. I bought mine by going cross country and bringing it home. And doing any other updates needed myself.

I laughed at the issues cited in the video. Granted I have no idea how much JG is charging. The first things I ever ask is if there are dash cracks, functional AC, ripped seats, rust, etc. I cant imagine buying a 40 year old car on faith, even from a premium place. The challenge really is the cleaning, shining, replacement of cosmetic parts, etc. The examples of getting dirty, and doing the work for suspension or HVAC (wouldn’t you ask and check that?!?)… suspensions can be replaced. The case of rust damage is the one that is really disappointing. I’d have hoped that if anything this would be a key evaluation by these folks.

I haven’t met JG, I’ve not bought from reinvent the wheel. I don’t have huge issues with Kent for his guides and some items like glow plug reamers. Other things I’m not sold on his value proposition either.

I’ve also never engaged with Pierre. I’d probably trust his shop, but have no idea how good a value or interaction there is there either.

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

Very interesting. The YT video is pretty damning. Just goes to show ya'.......
Some old sayings are appropriate here:
1. A fool and his money are soon parted.
2. You get what you pay for (or, oftentimes, you don't)
3. Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware)

Too bad the cars for sale by JG, as good as they look and the price they're commanding, aren't completely sorted with excellent mechanicals. You'd think otherwise. Then again, never assume. It's a tough world "out there".

Thing is, we’re listening to one person who is trying to make a YouTube channel, talk about a few instances. Sounds like this JG guy is a semi-clueless hipster who knows how to do some body work and clean stuff. I do t know how true that really truly is. To make a lifestyle out of finding and making old cars nice is a fun and interesting thing. Who knows if it is a hobby, a full time job, what. Maybe others know far more than I do about this guy. Seems like this is all turning into a bash fest instead of focusing on the w123. One thing in the linked video I agree with is this guy brings some optics to the w123 cars, and saves a few more of them. Something that would be nice if we all could do the same.

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)