MERCEDES BENZ Coupe (C123) 1977-1985 Photos, engines & full specs

The W123 E-Class was a huge success and, in 1977, a coupe version was introduced to replace the previous middle-size segment of the sporty-look vehicle. Even though it wasn't that sporty.

Unlike the previous generation, the W123 E-Class coupe had a shorter wheelbase than the four-door sedan with 85 mm (3.3”). This modification allowed a better design for the car. The removal of the C-pillar allowed the body to look like a convertible with the roof up. That type of bodywork had the “fake-cabriolet” name. It had a lot of parts in common with the four-door sedan and that ease the logistics and spare-parts department.

Inside, there was enough room for four adults, even if those in the rear couldn't be very happy on a long journey. The instrument cluster had three big dials with an unusual layout. One dial had three gauges, in the middle it was the speedometer and on the right, it was a big regular analog clock, but no tachometer. The car featured either a 4-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Over the years it had different engines, starting with a 2.3-liter carburetor engine, but ended up with fuel-injected units only. A particular diesel version was made for the U.S. It was a 300 CD model that offered 80 hp. The bizarre model was built to help Mercedes-Benz to achieve “corporate average fuel economy”. By adjusting the injection system, the engine produced 88 hp. It was replaced in 1981 by a turbodiesel unit with the same 3.0-liter displacement, but it offered 125 hp.

By the end of production time in 1985, a total of 99884 units were produced, from which 15509 were diesel.