Chassis No. WDB12302822117127
Engine No. 123.921.22.04374

In January 1976, the W123 series replaced the W114/115 "Stroke Eight" models. The new range included engines from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel to a 2.8-liter six-cylinder injection engine. The W123 borrowed design elements from the S-Class, including a semi-trailing arm rear axle and a double-wishbone front suspension, along with enhanced safety features. The passenger cell was reinforced, with a stronger roof-frame, door pillars, and doors, while front and rear deformation zones were optimized for better energy absorption.

A key safety innovation was the introduction of the safety steering column, designed to prevent intrusion in the event of a crash. Most engine options were carried over from the previous models, except for the Type 250, which replaced the single overhead camshaft 2.8-liter engine with a new 2.5-liter six-cylinder aptly coded “M123.” In August 1977, long-wheelbase versions (240 D, 300 D, and 250) were introduced, primarily for professional use with a row of jump seats allowing for up to seven passengers.

This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 250 Limousine sits within this lineage but has been significantly enhanced with period AMG styling and coachbuilt character. Finished in Biscayne Blue (312) with fully dechromed exterior, it is fitted with AMG aero components including a front spoiler, trunk lid spoiler, elongated side skirts, and a rear bumper skirt. Power is provided by a carbureted 2.5-liter inline-six engine paired to an automatic transmission, delivering smooth, understated performance consistent with Mercedes-Benz executive saloon character of the era, with an emphasis on refinement and drivability over outright output.

Riding on 16-inch Rial mesh wheels with polished lips, the car presents a distinctly period-tuned aesthetic consistent with 1980s AMG personalization. The cabin is trimmed in Blue MB-Tex with matching blue velour carpeting, reflecting a durable yet upscale specification intended for chauffeur-driven use. Reportedly the only AMG W123 limousine completed by AMG Stratton of Cheshire, this example reflects AMG's early role as an independent specialist modifying Mercedes-Benz vehicles to customer specification under licensed U.K. distribution.

The car was later brought to the United Arab Emirates in late 2023 and subsequently entered The Patina Collective, now displaying 21,838 miles at the time of cataloging which are believed to be original. Minor age-related corrosion is noted around the windshield and rear screen, while the interior remains notably well preserved, with strong seat cushioning and excellent surface presentation consistent with limited use and careful long-term stewardship.

A rare expression of early AMG coachbuilding applied to one of Mercedes-Benz's most durable platforms, this W123 Limousine occupies a highly unusual intersection of factory engineering integrity and period specialist personalization, representing a compelling artifact of 1980s tuning-house culture.