1978 Mercedes S123 300 Turbodiesel 4AT RWD (125 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After successfully launching the W123 lineup in 1975, Mercedes-Benz faced another challenge: to create a station wagon on the same platform without compromising the car’s qualities.

The W123 was already a reckoned and successful model in the German carmaker’s inventory. Thanks to all the variations that stretched from mundane cabs to state limousines, it was a popular vehicle. But all these versions were based on the same three-box version of the car. So, in 1978, the three-pointed star brand introduced the longroof version of it: the T-Modell.

While this vehicle was not known as an E-Class, since that name was created more than a decade later, it is considered a rightful predecessor for it. In the front, the big round dual headlamps were a characteristic design of the new models. Next to the main headlamp, under a common lens, there was a smaller halogen fog lamp. Differing from that, the two top models of the series, Types 280 and 280 E, were provided with rectangular halogen wide-band headlights. Bigger bumpers were installed for the U.S. market. On its sides, the automaker showed that it didn’t want to cut corners, so the rear doors were not carried over from the sedan to the station wagon. In addition, behind the slim C-pillar, it placed a third side window, while at the back, the raked-forward tailgate completed the design in a nicer way. It didn’t look like a bread van at all.

Inside, the vehicle was fitted with cloth bucket seats at the front and a folding bench seat at the back. On the instrument cluster, Mercedes-Benz installed round dials and multiple gauges that offered the driver information about the engine’s status. In the back, passengers were pleased by the spacious cabin. Even the middle-seated occupants on the bench had enough legroom at their disposal.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of diesel and gasoline engines paired with either four- or five-speed manual gearboxes or with a four-speed automatic.