Mercedes-Benz - 230 C - 1980
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Mercedes‑Benz 230 C from 1980 with a manual transmission, 2.3‑liter M115 engine, 109 hp, 164,824 km, white petrol coupé, chassis 12304310015722, matching numbers yes, Danish registration, located in Tommerup, Denmark, valid MOT, CoC present: No, in very good overall condition.
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Description from the seller
GENERAL
A beautifully preserved 1980 Mercedes‑Benz 230C coupé, this example perfectly captures the elegance and durability of the legendary W123 series. Originally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1977, the C123 coupé variants were built on a wheelbase shortened by 85 millimeters relative to the standard sedan, giving them a distinctly sporty, compact, yet balanced profile. The 1980 model year marks a significant inflection point in Mercedes-Benz history, as it was the final transition year of production for the carbureted 2.3-liter engine before the company phased out the M115 entirely in favor of the fuel-injected M102 engine found in the 230CE. Because of this timeline, a 1980 230C represents the ultimate refinement of early-series W123 production, pairing the final iteration of classic carburetion with the upgraded interior and exterior trim updates Mercedes introduced at the turn of the decade. This rare early coupé, equipped with a traditional manual transmission, combines classic style, mechanical simplicity, and timeless Mercedes character. It represents a highly sought-after survivor in a market where early, unmolested C123 models are increasingly rare, offering immense appeal for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
BODYWORK & PAINT
This vehicle exemplifies the understated luxury and engineering excellence that made Mercedes‑Benz a global benchmark in its era. The bodywork showcases the iconic, classic W123 coupé styling, characterized by its clean, flowing lines, distinctive rectangular headlights that denoted the upper-tier models of the era, and highly desirable pillarless side windows that create a completely open, uninterrupted profile when rolled down. The chrome brightwork along the roofline, bumpers, and side moldings contrasts beautifully with the coachwork, emphasizing a design that has aged with incredible grace. The vehicle remains exceptionally well-preserved, reflecting the high build quality, meticulous factory rust protection, and robust heavy-gauge steel construction for which this generation is famous.
TECHNICAL
Under the front-hinged hood lies the smooth and reliable 2.3‑liter inline‑4 M115 carbureted engine, which is factory-rated at 109 horsepower and utilizes a Stromberg horizontal carburetor. As a time-tested, early-series powerplant, the M115 is celebrated worldwide for its mechanical simplicity, ease of tuning, and legendary longevity that frequently sees these engines cross hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major overhaul. Power is delivered efficiently to the rear wheels via an engaging four-speed manual transmission, a configuration highly prized by European driving purists that offers a significantly more connected, lively, and authentic driving experience compared to the power-sapping automatic variants of the same era. The odometer currently displays 164,824 kilometers, reflecting a vehicle that has been thoroughly enjoyed but carefully and consistently maintained throughout its forty-plus years of life.
INTERIOR
The cabin perfectly encapsulates classic Mercedes-Benz ergonomics, passive safety engineering, and premium build quality from the turn of the decade. Featuring the redesigned steering wheel and updated dashboard switchgear introduced for the 1980 model year, the interior layout remains exceptionally well-preserved, honoring its original configuration and showcasing the durable, heavy-duty upholstery materials chosen by Stuttgart engineers to withstand decades of UV exposure and use. It balances everyday usability with authentic vintage charm, featuring the clear, minimalist instrumentation and large greenhouse visibility that makes it perfectly ready for immediate classic motoring and comfortable long-distance touring.
DOCUMENTS
Carrying the specific factory chassis prefix 123.043, which designates it globally as an authentic, petrol-powered 230 Coupé, this early C123 has been well-maintained and holds a transparent road history. It is fully roadworthy and ready for the blacktop today, having successfully passed its rigid Danish Technical Inspection, locally known as the Syn, in May 2025, ensuring its mechanical and structural safety compliance.
COLLECTION
The vehicle is located in Tommerup, Denmark, where it is available for personal viewing, inspections, and collection at our premises. As an established Danish classic car dealership specializing in quality vintage automobiles, we can fully assist the buyer with arranging reliable shipping, covered transport logistics, and all necessary export documentation to international destinations.
GENERAL
A beautifully preserved 1980 Mercedes‑Benz 230C coupé, this example perfectly captures the elegance and durability of the legendary W123 series. Originally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1977, the C123 coupé variants were built on a wheelbase shortened by 85 millimeters relative to the standard sedan, giving them a distinctly sporty, compact, yet balanced profile. The 1980 model year marks a significant inflection point in Mercedes-Benz history, as it was the final transition year of production for the carbureted 2.3-liter engine before the company phased out the M115 entirely in favor of the fuel-injected M102 engine found in the 230CE. Because of this timeline, a 1980 230C represents the ultimate refinement of early-series W123 production, pairing the final iteration of classic carburetion with the upgraded interior and exterior trim updates Mercedes introduced at the turn of the decade. This rare early coupé, equipped with a traditional manual transmission, combines classic style, mechanical simplicity, and timeless Mercedes character. It represents a highly sought-after survivor in a market where early, unmolested C123 models are increasingly rare, offering immense appeal for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
BODYWORK & PAINT
This vehicle exemplifies the understated luxury and engineering excellence that made Mercedes‑Benz a global benchmark in its era. The bodywork showcases the iconic, classic W123 coupé styling, characterized by its clean, flowing lines, distinctive rectangular headlights that denoted the upper-tier models of the era, and highly desirable pillarless side windows that create a completely open, uninterrupted profile when rolled down. The chrome brightwork along the roofline, bumpers, and side moldings contrasts beautifully with the coachwork, emphasizing a design that has aged with incredible grace. The vehicle remains exceptionally well-preserved, reflecting the high build quality, meticulous factory rust protection, and robust heavy-gauge steel construction for which this generation is famous.
TECHNICAL
Under the front-hinged hood lies the smooth and reliable 2.3‑liter inline‑4 M115 carbureted engine, which is factory-rated at 109 horsepower and utilizes a Stromberg horizontal carburetor. As a time-tested, early-series powerplant, the M115 is celebrated worldwide for its mechanical simplicity, ease of tuning, and legendary longevity that frequently sees these engines cross hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major overhaul. Power is delivered efficiently to the rear wheels via an engaging four-speed manual transmission, a configuration highly prized by European driving purists that offers a significantly more connected, lively, and authentic driving experience compared to the power-sapping automatic variants of the same era. The odometer currently displays 164,824 kilometers, reflecting a vehicle that has been thoroughly enjoyed but carefully and consistently maintained throughout its forty-plus years of life.
INTERIOR
The cabin perfectly encapsulates classic Mercedes-Benz ergonomics, passive safety engineering, and premium build quality from the turn of the decade. Featuring the redesigned steering wheel and updated dashboard switchgear introduced for the 1980 model year, the interior layout remains exceptionally well-preserved, honoring its original configuration and showcasing the durable, heavy-duty upholstery materials chosen by Stuttgart engineers to withstand decades of UV exposure and use. It balances everyday usability with authentic vintage charm, featuring the clear, minimalist instrumentation and large greenhouse visibility that makes it perfectly ready for immediate classic motoring and comfortable long-distance touring.
DOCUMENTS
Carrying the specific factory chassis prefix 123.043, which designates it globally as an authentic, petrol-powered 230 Coupé, this early C123 has been well-maintained and holds a transparent road history. It is fully roadworthy and ready for the blacktop today, having successfully passed its rigid Danish Technical Inspection, locally known as the Syn, in May 2025, ensuring its mechanical and structural safety compliance.
COLLECTION
The vehicle is located in Tommerup, Denmark, where it is available for personal viewing, inspections, and collection at our premises. As an established Danish classic car dealership specializing in quality vintage automobiles, we can fully assist the buyer with arranging reliable shipping, covered transport logistics, and all necessary export documentation to international destinations.
Details
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Model type
230 C
Year
1980
Located in
Denmark
Mileage reading
164824 km
Registration papers
with Danish registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
White
Horse power
109
Cubic capacity
2300
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
Yes
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Engine number
M115
Chassis number
12304310015722
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Fine condition: May require mechanic and cosmetic work
Vehicle registration
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
