Hi!
Doing my first own 'feature' here I had the joys of driving a rather special W124 T-Model for the last couple of days. Looking at it from the outside, it's like any other T-Model from the first series (1985 to 1989).
But - under the bonnet there's the difference. It's the most basic engine a customer could order; a 2 liter carburettor fed SOHC engine. The same M102 engine that was introduced in the W123 in 1980. Developing 105BHP. Or 109 without cat converter. And it's heavy on fuel. It does the same MPG as a much quicker, agile 230(TE). And the 230TE was only 4000,- DM (~1800€ today) more.
This probably explains, why they sold only 7.467 200Ts.
It's the least sensible engine - no power & thirsty. Makes you wonder, how many 200Ts survived. I now for sure, one did. It has done 188.000km (116.000 miles) since 1988.
Of course there are signs of it's age everywhere. But still - there's that sensation of driving a brand new W124. The interior is clean like on the first day. There is no rattling, no vibrations, no noise. Only a silent whisper from the engine, that develops into a raspy growl when you rev it hard towards the redline. Though you never know where the redline is; the 200T got not only the most basic engine, but also the most basic specification. No rev counter, just a big clock.
The suspension is smooth, the ride quality is brilliant. A whole new sensation, to have not a micron of play in a Mercedes steering system! Circling it around a tight S bend is pure joy. Overtaking a truck on the smal lane in a Autobahn road work site doesn't make you sweat. Whilst you hold the grippy, unworn steering wheel with one arm, resting the other on the armrest. And it's so quiet inside.
And then there's that smell. A hint of old car, a breeze of fresh car. Fresh car like in the old days, there's nothing like coco mats as seat cushioning.
It's also the only W124 I know which doesn't have a sunroof. In fact, it'S got very few extras. A blind for the boot, a armrest, a radio. And door lights.
I've driven a lot of W124s before, and none of them was a bigger joy than this 200T. It's a whole new sensation, which made me realise how worn out most of those cars are. It's all the little details... The snap of the indicator when it returns, the feel of the steering wheel where you can still feel the perforation, the firm seats, the integrity of the suspension... It simply doesn't matter, that you burn way too much precious 95 octane. For the speed and acceleration of a diesel. It's that good!
Do I love that car? Yes, I do. Do I want it? Probably not. No.
Doing my first own 'feature' here I had the joys of driving a rather special W124 T-Model for the last couple of days. Looking at it from the outside, it's like any other T-Model from the first series (1985 to 1989).
But - under the bonnet there's the difference. It's the most basic engine a customer could order; a 2 liter carburettor fed SOHC engine. The same M102 engine that was introduced in the W123 in 1980. Developing 105BHP. Or 109 without cat converter. And it's heavy on fuel. It does the same MPG as a much quicker, agile 230(TE). And the 230TE was only 4000,- DM (~1800€ today) more.
This probably explains, why they sold only 7.467 200Ts.
It's the least sensible engine - no power & thirsty. Makes you wonder, how many 200Ts survived. I now for sure, one did. It has done 188.000km (116.000 miles) since 1988.
Of course there are signs of it's age everywhere. But still - there's that sensation of driving a brand new W124. The interior is clean like on the first day. There is no rattling, no vibrations, no noise. Only a silent whisper from the engine, that develops into a raspy growl when you rev it hard towards the redline. Though you never know where the redline is; the 200T got not only the most basic engine, but also the most basic specification. No rev counter, just a big clock.
The suspension is smooth, the ride quality is brilliant. A whole new sensation, to have not a micron of play in a Mercedes steering system! Circling it around a tight S bend is pure joy. Overtaking a truck on the smal lane in a Autobahn road work site doesn't make you sweat. Whilst you hold the grippy, unworn steering wheel with one arm, resting the other on the armrest. And it's so quiet inside.
And then there's that smell. A hint of old car, a breeze of fresh car. Fresh car like in the old days, there's nothing like coco mats as seat cushioning.
It's also the only W124 I know which doesn't have a sunroof. In fact, it'S got very few extras. A blind for the boot, a armrest, a radio. And door lights.
I've driven a lot of W124s before, and none of them was a bigger joy than this 200T. It's a whole new sensation, which made me realise how worn out most of those cars are. It's all the little details... The snap of the indicator when it returns, the feel of the steering wheel where you can still feel the perforation, the firm seats, the integrity of the suspension... It simply doesn't matter, that you burn way too much precious 95 octane. For the speed and acceleration of a diesel. It's that good!
Do I love that car? Yes, I do. Do I want it? Probably not. No.