K in the mid-1970s, the model series Mercedes-Benz, represented by the W114/W115 family (Strich Acht), became obsolete. The goal of the concert is to create a successor, to set new standards in the top of the middle class of cars. ==History==The development was carried out in unsimple economic conditions — on on the world oil crisis platform, — which required special care from engineers. The focus of attention was not only aesthetics and the power of the machine, but in first priority — in 0; reliability in 1; efficiency.
The launch of the new Mercedes-Benz W123 family took place on the Paul Ricard (South of France) track at the end of January 1976. Already at the start of sales, the demand for the new Mercedes was much higher than the supply: waiting lists were formed, and the value of one-year cars on the secondary market was higher than the price of new cars.
Technical characteristics
The design of Mercedes-Benz W123, the last major project by Friedrich Geiger as head of the style department, created a new visual identity of the brand. It was on this model that the famous theme «four eyes» was first introduced, a paired headlamp designed to meet the requirements of the American market (NTSA), where monolithic blocks were banned at the time. Security was the main goal in the design of the new Mercedes. The vehicle was provided with deliberate deformation areas, reinforced door beams and a patented controlled axle that improved road stability. For the first time in the history of the label, an airbag (since 1982) and an anti-lock system (ABS) have been available for the middle-class model. In the engine line, which originally included 6-cylinder versions 280 and 280-E, diesel modifications (200D, 240D, 300D) were later introduced as a reference economy and resource. The French petrol version 280E was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.8 litres with mechanical fuel injection. The power of the aggregate varied according to market and configuration: for Europe, it reached 185 p.s., allowing the compartment to run up to 200 km/h, while for the US, because of environmental standards, it was more modest.
London — Sydney
In 1977, Mercedes-Benz 280E, which was driven by Andrew Cowen, won the exhausting London-Sydney Rally. The second place was in Tony Fawkes, which led to the end of the same model of the car. This triumphant performance in the extreme conditions of the long race unequivocally confirmed the reputation of Mercedes-Benz 280 as an extremely resilient and reliable car.
Heritage and Impact
The Mercedes-Benz W123 was released from 1976 to 1985 (the universals were produced until January 1986). During that time, a record number of cars — almost 2.7 million copies in all body versions, including saddles, compartment, universals, and long base versions — were collected. In 1982, W123 became the most sold car in the Federal Republic of Germany.
For many residents of the post-Council space, W123 became the first Mercedes, a symbol of high status and reliability, which, even with a huge run, continued to serve as its owners of faith and truth. This model laid the foundation for the future of the E class, and its balance, durability and classical aesthetics made it a desirable collection object and symbol of the Mercedes-Benz Engineering School in the second half of the 20th century.
