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This 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280TE Was Trapped Inside An Italian Garage For 38 Years, Now It's Probably The Most Valuable W123 Ever
Jalopnik • • technology
Key Points:
- The Gooding Christie's Pebble Beach preview in Van Nuys showcased high-profile classic cars, including a 1963 Ferrari 250 P and a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Lungo Spider, but the standout was a rare 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280TE wagon.
- This 280TE, painted in discontinued Nickel Green with a unique Moss Green MB-Tex and Blue-Green cloth interior, was stored untouched in an Italian garage for nearly 40 years after being trapped by a landslide in 1980, accumulating only 3,790 miles.
- Maintained with minimal intervention to preserve originality, the car is estimated to sell between $130,000 and $160,000 at auction without reserve, though experts believe it could fetch a significantly higher price due to its rarity and condition.
- The 280TE features the desirable 2.8-liter inline-6 engine, making it one of the best driving examples of the W123 series, with similar models previously selling for prices upwards of $100,000, reflecting growing collector interest in well-preserved Mercedes wagons.
- The car has a documented sales history through Mercedes Motoring, with previous auction prices reaching $195,000, highlighting strong market demand for this exceptionally preserved and historically significant vehicle.
