1983 Mercedes-Benz Other Mercedes-Benz Models

If you know early AMG, you already know the story goes far beyond horsepower numbers. Before AMG became part of Mercedes-Benz, it operated as an independent specialist building cars to individual customer specifications and this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 250 Limousine is an incredibly unusual example of that era. Reportedly the only AMG W123 limousine completed by AMG Stratton of Cheshire, it combines Mercedes-Benz s durable long-wheelbase platform with real period AMG styling and unmistakable coachbuilt character.

Finished in Biscayne Blue (312), this limousine has the look. The exterior has been fully dechromed and fitted with a complete selection of period AMG aero components, including a front spoiler, trunk lid spoiler, elongated side skirts, and rear bumper skirt. Nothing about it feels modern or forced it presents exactly like an executive Mercedes customized at the height of 1980s European tuning culture. The 16-inch Rial mesh wheels with polished lips finish the stance perfectly and give the car an unmistakable period-correct attitude.

Power comes from the carbureted 2.5-liter M123 inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The Type 250 was notable within the W123 range for receiving this engine in place of the earlier single-overhead-camshaft 2.8-liter six-cylinder. This car is not about aggressive horsepower or outright speed; it delivers the smooth, understated performance and relaxed drivability expected from a proper Mercedes-Benz executive saloon of the era.

Inside, the limousine is trimmed in Blue MB-Tex with matching blue velour carpeting. The cabin remains notably well preserved, with strong seat cushioning and excellent surface presentation consistent with limited use and careful long-term stewardship. Combined with the extended-wheelbase limousine layout, the blue-on-blue specification gives the interior the upscale but durable character Mercedes-Benz intended for chauffeur-driven service.

The W123 was already respected for its engineering, build quality, and durability, but this car s reported AMG Stratton connection places it in an entirely different category. AMG Stratton served as a licensed U.K. distributor during AMG s independent years, modifying Mercedes-Benz vehicles to individual customer specifications. If its reported one-off history is confirmed by the accompanying records, this limousine represents an exceptionally rare surviving piece of early AMG history.

The car was brought to the United Arab Emirates in late 2023 and subsequently entered The Patina Collective. It displayed 21,838 miles at the time of cataloging, which are believed to be original. Minor age-related corrosion is present around the windshield and rear screen and should be noted, but the interior s level of preservation speaks to the limited use and care this unusual Mercedes has received.

Key Highlights:

- 1983 Mercedes-Benz 250 Limousine

- W123 long-wheelbase platform

- Reportedly the only AMG W123 limousine completed by AMG Stratton of Cheshire

- Period AMG styling and coachbuilt character

- Finished in Biscayne Blue (312)

- Fully dechromed exterior

- AMG front spoiler

- AMG trunk lid spoiler

- Elongated AMG side skirts

- AMG rear bumper skirt

- 16-inch Rial mesh wheels with polished lips

- Carbureted 2.5-liter M123 inline-six

- Automatic transmission

- Blue MB-Tex interior

- Matching blue velour carpeting

- 21,838 displayed miles at cataloging, believed to be original

- Brought to the United Arab Emirates in late 2023

- Subsequently entered The Patina Collective

- Chassis No. WDB12302822117127

- Engine No. 123.921.22.04374

- Minor age-related corrosion around the windshield and rear screen

Overall, this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 250 Limousine is the kind of car that gets more interesting the longer you look at it. The long-wheelbase W123 body, Biscayne Blue finish, fully dechromed exterior, period AMG aero, Rial wheels, and reportedly one-off AMG Stratton history come together in a way that would be nearly impossible to recreate. It isn t just unusual it s a real artifact from AMG s independent tuning-house era. For the collector who understands early AMG and wants something nobody else is likely to have, this is one you don t want to miss.