1978 Mercedes-Benz 300 D

The Mercedes-Benz 300 D premiered at the 1975 Geneva Auto Salon. This stylish newcomer incorporated many technological advances, particularly in the method of body construction, which made for a much stronger and safer shell.

Heating, ventilation and dashboard instrumentation all benefited from improvements as well and the new 300 D capitalised on the success of the superseded 240D 3.0, the first model to use the five-cylinder OM617 unit. A succession of oil price increases had begun to focus buyers' attention on economy rather than solely on performance and these altered priorities were reflected in the success of the 300 D.

By way of comparison: the nearest petrol-driven equivalent – the 280E – consumed fuel at a rate of 12.5 litres/100km whereas the 300 D had an average fuel consumption of 10.8 litres/100km, an improvement of some 14%.

In all, what you purchased in the 300 D in 1975 was the world's best four-door sedan body and platform with an engine that boasted longer service intervals, greater service life and drastically improved fuel consumption.

In totally original and incredibly well-preserved condition, offered here is an Australian delivered Mercedes-Benz 300 D supplied new by Marshalls Mercedes-Benz, Sydney in September of 1978.

Travelled just 143,480 kilometres and presented in the rare combination of Ikon Gold over Parchment trim this stunning car is accompanied by its original service manuals that show a methodically kept and up to date service history from new.

Totally unmodified, from the original Becker Mexico radio with cassette to the MB-Tex trim, superb loop pile carpets, all original Sekurit Green tinted glass throughout and gleaming engine bay, this would have to be one of the best preserved examples in the country.

In excellent running and driving condition, this classic Benz is great for the daily commute but happiest when gobbling up country kilometres with uncanny frugality.

Just serviced by classic Mercedes-Benz specialists and fitted with new tyres in preparation for its next custodian, this rare find is as much at home on a concours lawn as it is on a club drive day spanning city to sea.

For the classic car collector and/or classic enthusiast, this left of centre car is a must view.