Appeared in 1975, the W123 was produced in almost 2,700,000 units and met with great success, in particular thanks to its solidity and the reliability of its petrol and diesel engines. Very accomplished technologically for the time, it could be fitted with an airbag, front seatbelt pretensioners, ABS, air conditioning, level corrector or cruise control as an option. The safety of the passenger compartment was improved by a reinforced roof structure, the trunk and the hood become deformable parts for shock absorption. The steering column no longer moved forward in the passenger compartment in the event of an accident, limiting the risk of injury to the driver, something common today, it was a real revolution in the 1970s. It will be available in 3 main bodies: The type W123 Sedan, the type S123 Break and the type C123 Coupé. Two other versions will be produced for a rarer use, the Limousine type V123 longer by 63cm and the extended Break type F123 serving as a base for ambulances or hearses. In terms of engines, there are petrol engines with carburetor or injection, from the 2.0 L 4-cylinder to the 2.8 L 6-cylinder. Diesel also has a large place in the range, Mercedes being a pioneer of this type of engine in passenger cars, the brand will offer a 4-cylinder 2.0 / 2.2 or 2.4 L as well as a 3.0 L 5-cylinder atmospheric or Turbo. 1985 sounded the end of Sedans and Coupes and it was in 1986 that the 123 finally came to an end with the release of the last Station wagons from the production lines. It will be replaced by the equally legendary E-Class type W124.
