1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE

• Iconic Beginnings: The 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE marked the start of a remarkable era in automotive history, captivating enthusiasts with its avant-garde design and cutting-edge features.

• Unmatched Popularity: The 123 model series shattered records, producing approximately 2.7 million units, making it the most successful E-Class generation ever.

• Demanding Patience: Such was the demand for the 123 series that in its debut year, eager customers had to wait up to a year for delivery, a testament to its allure.

• Versatility Redefined: This series introduced versatility, from the debut of the estate model in 1977 to the sleek coupe and spacious long-wheelbase limousine, accommodating seven or eight passengers.

• Engine Diversity: Mercedes-Benz offered an impressive nine engine choices, ranging from 40 kW (55 hp) to 130 kW (177 hp), ensuring there was a model for every driver's preferences.

• Innovative Concepts: Early concept cars flirted with futuristic designs, but by 1973, the series embraced timeless elegance as its defining characteristic.

• Pioneering Estates: The 123 series made history with the in-house production of the first E-Class estate, setting new standards with the hydropneumatic level control system.

• Diesel Advancements: Mercedes-Benz made waves by introducing the 92 kW (125 hp) 300 TD Turbodiesel in 1980, offering diesel power in an estate car, a breakthrough for the time.

• Safety Innovations: Safety was paramount, with features like double-wishbone front suspension, a safety steering column, and a collision-protected fuel tank above the rear axle.

• Endurance Triumph: In the 1977 London-Sydney marathon, standard 280 E saloons, with minor modifications, displayed their exceptional endurance, clinching victory and top-ten spots.

The Mercedes-Benz 123 model series, which debuted in 1976, redefined the upper medium-size category, capturing the hearts of dreamers with its cutting-edge design and top-tier features. This iconic series witnessed the production of approximately 2.7 million units until early 1986, setting a record unmatched by any other E-Class generation. The demand was so immense that the initial production year sold out rapidly, with some customers patiently awaiting delivery for up to a year. The 123 series maintained its high resale value throughout its remarkable journey, with "mot auto-journal" even proclaiming the 200 D's unmatched depreciation rates in September 1976.

What truly set the 123 series apart was its versatility. It pioneered the introduction of an estate model in 1977, alongside the return of a sporty yet elegant coupe and the long-wheelbase limousine accommodating seven or eight passengers. In January 1976, as the limousine hit the market, Mercedes-Benz offered a staggering nine engine choices, ranging from 40 kW (55 hp) to 130 kW (177 hp). This lineup featured petrol engines like the 200, 230, 250, 280, and 280 E, as well as diesel options such as the 200 D, 220 D, 240 D, and 300 D. To transport the 33 test vehicles, each showcasing different engines and trim lines, to the Côte d'Azur during the trial launch in the south of France, Mercedes-Benz chartered an entire special train from the German Federal Railways.

The concept cars initially explored angular designs, massive rear roof overhangs, steeply raked rear windows, and robust rubber body panels. However, by 1973, the timeless elegance of the series had taken shape. This aesthetic also defined the coupes, which stood 40 millimeters lower, were 85 millimeters shorter, and boasted a stretched, dynamic silhouette. The estates, Mercedes-Benz's first in-house E-Class estate, arrived in September 1977, featuring the hydropneumatic level control system as standard equipment. The German moniker "T-Modell" signified its dual role for tourism and transport within the upper medium-size category. Mercedes-Benz broke new ground in 1980 by introducing the 92 kW (125 hp) 300 TD Turbodiesel, a diesel-powered estate. For North America and Japan, this engine configuration became available in the saloon variant, earning accolades like "Undoubtedly the Mercedes 300 TD is the finest station wagon offered in the U.S. today and it is certainly the classiest" from "Road & Track" in April 1981.

The 123 series not only excelled in design but also in cutting-edge technology. Featuring double-wishbone front suspension with a zero scrub radius and a safety steering column inspired by Béla Barényi's design, these cars prioritized safety. The collision-protected fuel tank positioned above the rear axle further enhanced passive safety. From 1980 onwards, cruise control was available as an optional feature, followed by the introduction of the anti-lock ABS braking system in 1980 and the driver airbag in 1982, a first in its category. Power-assisted steering became standard in 1982. The 123 series also ventured into alternative drive systems, including hydrogen, electric motors, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), foreshadowing future developments. This generation shattered sales records, with nearly 2.7 million vehicles produced, including around 2.4 million saloons, 200,000 estates, and almost 100,000 coupes.

The 1977 London-Sydney marathon provided an opportunity for the 123 series to showcase its endurance, performance, comfort, and reliability. Two Mercedes-Benz 280 E cars triumphed in what was then the world's toughest rally, with two other saloons of the same model securing spots in the top ten. These remarkable achievements were accomplished using standard-trim saloons with minor modifications, highlighting the exceptional capabilities of the 123 series.

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