In the world of classic cars, a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 230CE (codenamed C123) is neither rare nor powerful. But for Anthony Yu, this coupe is compelling because it tugs on his heartstrings.
The 47-year-old mechanical engineer, who is married with a son and daughter, initially admired the saloon version (codenamed W123) of his car. “When I was 10, one of my neighbours had a green W123. But before I bought my 230CE, I realised that I wanted something rarer.”
Anthony’s first car, however, was no luxury coupe. It was a humble 1971 Mazda 1000 sedan, which he purchased in 1990 for $3,600. “I found it funny that my first car was almost as old as I was then!”
As an engineer, it’s no surprise that Anthony likes to tinker with and fix cars. Modern automobiles, with their vast electronic and computerised systems, simply don’t allow enthusiasts like Anthony to get their hands dirty.
Anthony loves his Mercedes coupe because mechanically, it is easy to maintain. “I can DIY if needed!” he chuckles.
The 230CE, however, wasn’t the first Mercedes that Anthony has owned. Over the years, he has had models such as the 190E and a W124 E200, which he “converted” into a Masterpiece variant by swopping the body panels and interior trims.
When asked if the financial cost of this passion causes his wife to raise her eyebrows, Anthony quickly points out that all the Mercedes models he’s owned are COE cars, and that the 230CE was purchased for $28,000.
“Besides,” he continued, “My wife knows that given my nature, I love tinkering with mechanical things. If it’s not my car, then it’ll be my go-kart. If I have nothing to do, I will remove my Mercedes’ spark plugs and clean them!”
I asked Anthony why he liked the Mercedes as a kid, and continued to admire it even after he got his driving licence at 18. Would he not have preferred something sporty, like an E30 BMW 3 Series?
Anthony keeps umbrellas and spare parts in his Mercedes-Benz 230CE’s boot.
“There’s just something ‘grand’ about the Mercedes”, he replied.
However, old cars, even “bulletproof” ones like the Merc’s C123 model series, will need plenty of TLC, especially if they have been subjected to a bit of vigorous driving.
In 2008, Anthony, together with Singapore GP, went to the Pasir Gudang circuit in Johor Bahru to rehearse for the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix. Driving his 230CE around the track damaged the coupe’s four-speed automatic gearbox, which then needed to be overhauled.
Apart from the gearbox, Anthony has also had the car’s 2.3-litre inline-four overhauled, and replaced the engine’s cylinder heads. Apart from these repairs, his car has been problem-free.
So it was puzzling to learn that Anthony only drives his car sparingly – on early Sunday mornings, to be exact.
I asked him if it was because he is afraid that the coupe may suddenly break down. “Actually, I’m afraid of my car being hit by a stupid driver. There are too many of them on our roads nowadays.”
Aside from the 230CE, Anthony is also on the lookout for a W126 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL. “In old movies, it’s the car that the mob bosses are usually chauffeured in. But I’m wary of the road tax, which is very high.”
Interestingly, Anthony’s daily driver is not a Mercedes, but a five-year-old F30 BMW 335i.
“I bought the 335i because it is a driver’s car and I love to drive. Its power is more than adequate, but more importantly, it handles well.”
“On the other hand, I keep the Merc for sentimental reasons. It was a car that I wanted to own, and my son loves it too. Perhaps one day it’ll be his.”
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