This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300CD is a two owner, all-original car with 63k miles from new. Described as entirely rust and accident-free with fully functional electrics and well-maintained, sorted mechanicals, the car was until recently with its original owner, the late CBS correspondent and White House press photographer Cal Marlin who died in 2010. One of the cleanest and most original 123 coupes we’ve seen in some time, the car is further set apart by its unusual and attractive silver over blue/zebrano wood combination.

Panels have never been hit and have clean factory-set gaps, while paint, rubber, plastics and brightwork all show very well. The car was garaged since new and driven as a summer car from Cal’s home in VA to work at the White House. Cal worked alongside President’s LBJ, Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, Bush and Clinton, and routinely flew on Air Force One as documented in manifests. The car retains factory bundt-style wheels with no curb rash or lifting clear, and overall originality and condition are quite impressive. Cal retired to California and brought the car with him for occasional use.

Behind the pillarless side glass, the interior shows essentially as-new with very little evidence of use. Preserved under a carpet kit, the un-cracked dash houses fully functional gauges, switchgear and lights, and all four electric windows roll up and down smoothly and quickly, sealing tightly against supple, OEM rubber. Carpets, headliner and door cards are all nicely preserved as well, and the rear parcel shelf contains the original unused factory first aid kit. The car is equipped with all the trimmings offered at the time and has the additional benefit of full R134a A/C conversion that is said to work well. Below is a thorough walk-around video.

The car has been well-maintained with recent maintenance items including all new drive belts, engine and transmission oil pan gaskets, injector and differential service, and more. A valve adjustment was completed 3000 miles ago along with new fluids, filters, new Michelin tires, brake pads, rotors, and battery. It is now in excellent working order. The clean undercarriage and trunk are evidence of low mileage, and the car retains its original spare and factory tools. Included in the sale is the original manufacture plate, original keys, owners manual and maintenance manuals, a set of used rotors, and various service records.

A non-turbo OM617 diesel five cylinder car, the engine bay shows just as impressively as the rest of the car with very little accumulated road grime. Rocker cover, hoses, factory stickers, air cleaner housing, inner fenders and hood are all quite clean. The seller notes that the motor starts easily, idles smoothly, and produces smooth power, and hopes the new owner will enjoy it as a weekend cruiser.