Ivan Vicario Martin
Within the enormous tragedy caused mainly in Valencia by the Dana storm on October 29, there are also some curious stories that bring a little hope amidst so much desolation. In this case, we are talking about the fact that, although it may seem incredible, A classic Mercedes W123 has managed to roll away from a garage flooded by water. In this way, the German model continues to endorse a reputation for indestructibility that only grows with time.
El Mercedes-Benz W123 It appeared on the market in 1975 as a replacement for the W114/W115 and It was characterized by its technological and security innovationsFor example, it was equipped with a deformable steering column, central locking, a two-panel windscreen and a passenger-side mirror. In addition, from 1980 it offered ABS or a driver's airbag as an option. It was available in four-door, station wagon, coupé and seven- or eight-seat limousine body styles.
As for the engines, there were various petrol options with 4 and 6 inline cylinders with power from 94 to 185 HP. Although, without a doubt, the great revolution was in the diesel engines, since introduced the 300 D Turbodiesel version in 1981It was equipped with a 617-cylinder in-line OM 5 engine that produced no less than 125 hp, quite a feat at the time.
Between November 1975 and January 1986, they were sold a total of 2.696.915 units of the W123, while the model was gaining a well-deserved reputation for its bomb-proof reliability. It is said that there were even taxi strikes in Germany to keep it manufactured. Here in Spain, we have an example that has already passed the 7.000.000 million km, For example.
CLASSIC CARS IN THE DANA
Let us remember that the first estimates speak of More than 100.000 cars affected by the cold snap that devastated the Valencian Community. Among them, there are inevitably numerous classics. In fact, we have seen several examples of collector cars that have been left in one of the many garages that ended up flooded.
Among them, a Land Rover Santana from Catarroja, whose owner, Cristófol Alber, asked the rescue teams not to remove it as it was still running, or a BMW Z1 that ended up completely flooded. In addition, in a parking lot there was a Mini and a SEAT 600. The latter managed to start without problems once it was taken outside.
A user of the social network X published a statistic that said that up to 54 cars had managed to start after being submerged under water. All of them would be models prior to the year 1999, with the exception of two 2004 SUVs. And it is logical that the electronics in modern cars do not get along well with the liquid element.
THE CLASSIC MERCEDES W123 THAT SURVIVED THE DANA
In all the cases documented so far, the cars were started once they were outside, but only one managed to get out on its own. Given the model's history, it is not surprising that it was precisely a classic Mercedes W123 that was found dead. has escaped the consequences of the Dana without outside help.
In the video that has spread like wildfire on the Internet, you can see the W123 from Ivan FS without major difficulties from his garage. He appears absolutely covered in mud, as expected, but at least it doesn't look like it was dragged by water. In fact, its bodywork doesn't have any noticeable dents, although they could also be hidden by the thick layer of mud.
Without a doubt, seeing a Classic Mercedes W123 Escape from the Dana It is a small story of hope in the midst of a catastrophe of such magnitude. From LA ESCUDERÍA we want to show our solidarity with all those affected by the storm, both in Valencia and in Letur (Albacete) and Malaga.
