The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a range of executive cars produced by German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz from November 1975 to January 1986.The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W114, as the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million units before production ended in the autumn of 1985 for the saloon/sedan versions and January 1986 for coupes and estates/station wagons.[4]

Following a slow production build-up during the first year, customers who placed their orders faced a lengthy waiting period of nine to twelve months.A black market emerged for the customers who were willing to pay more for immediate delivery.