The Mercedes-Benz W123 was launched in 1976 and sales quickly surpassed those of its predecessor, the W114. The W123 went on to become the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars.This book features the history of the development of the car within the context of the Mercedes-Benz company and global motor industry; the styling, engineering and technical advances introduced over the lifetime of the three series, and the press reactions to them. Full technical specifications are given together with customer options, equipment and interior trim for each model. Production numbers and vehicle number sequences are listed and little-known details of the manufacture of the car in China are given. There is a chapter on buying and owning a 123-series Mercedes.