Rare 1979 Mercedes 280 TE Resurfaces After Earthquake, Valued at €140,000

A 1979 Mercedes 280 TE with an astonishingly low mileage of just 6,100 kilometers is generating significant interest as it emerges from decades of obscurity. This W123 station wagon was buried in a garage in Avellino, Italy, following a devastating earthquake and landslide in 1980.

The natural disaster that sealed the vehicle away has ironically preserved it in remarkable condition. Now regarded as a museum-quality specimen, the car is set to be auctioned during the prestigious Monterey Car Week.

The estimated value of the Mercedes is between $130,000 and $160,000, approximately €112,500 to €138,500. This price range is particularly striking given that a typical W123 in good condition is valued at around €28,200 in the German market. Clearly, this example is anything but ordinary.

Buried Since 1980 with Minimal Mileage

The story of this Mercedes began in 1979 when it was delivered to an Italian customer. The car features a unique Nickelgrün (nickel green) exterior paired with a green fabric interior. After only a few thousand kilometers, the car was parked in a garage, which was subsequently buried by the earthquake and landslide in 1980.

This unusual circumstance shielded the vehicle from the typical wear and tear that most cars experience over the years. As a result, the odometer now reads approximately 6,100 kilometers, an exceptionally low figure for a vehicle of this generation, particularly since W123 models are known for their durability and high mileage.

Auction Value Approaches €140,000

The interest in this 280 TE extends beyond its low mileage. Its pristine condition, six-cylinder engine, and rare color combination have driven the auction estimate to levels that are typically far beyond what one would expect for a W123 family car.

The auction is scheduled for August 14 and 15 in Monterey, California, coinciding with one of the most significant events in the international automotive collector calendar.

A Luxury Family Car

Even at its launch, the 280 TE was not an inexpensive vehicle. It represented the top of the gasoline-powered W123 station wagon range. In May 1979, the list price in Germany was 34,535.20 Deutsche Marks.

This particular model is equipped with several costly options for its time, including an automatic transmission, automatic climate control, a Becker Europa radio, and a foldable child seat in the trunk. Consequently, the total price could exceed that of a new Mercedes 280 SE from the then-new W126 Class, which was priced at 38,815.50 Deutsche Marks. Thus, it was not merely a practical family car but one of the more prestigious configurations available.

The Rarity of Nickelgrün

The color also adds to the car's value. The DB 870 Nickelgrün paint was only available from 1975 to 1979. Since the production of the W123 station wagon commenced in 1978, this color can only be found on the earliest models from that year or 1979. This significantly narrows the pool of existing vehicles.

Moreover, the first W123 models were particularly susceptible to corrosion. Station wagons were often used extensively, making it even more challenging to find examples with such low mileage and in original condition today.

Limited Production Numbers

The rarity of this model is underscored by production statistics. Mercedes manufactured nearly 2.7 million W123 cars from 1976 to 1985, of which only 199,517 were station wagons of the S123 series, accounting for less than 10% of the total production.

Focusing specifically on the 280 TE, only 19,789 units were produced. This model holds historical significance as the S123, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1977, was the first station wagon designed by Mercedes. The company referred to it as the T-Modell, with 'T' denoting transport and tourism, a naming convention that continues with modern Mercedes family cars.

The 1979 model heading to auction combines numerous desirable attributes for collectors: a prestigious version, a rare color, extensive features, minimal mileage, and above all, a one-of-a-kind story.

As the auction date approaches, it remains to be seen how much a new owner will be willing to pay. With the maximum estimate nearing €140,000, this Mercedes, which lay buried for decades, could soon become one of the most valuable W123s on the market.