In this installment of our original Mercedes MSRP prices series we’ll be having a look at all the 1979 model year Mercedes models and prices offered in the United States. There were four sets of price cards for 1979, as there were three price increases for 1979 model year cars. The model list and technical information is on one side of each card, prices and options are on the other (two scans per card, front and back).
The introduction of the 300 TD wagon in early 1979 was the only new model introduction of the year.
All Mercedes models from 1978 were carried over to the 1979 model year EXCEPT the 230, 4 cylinder, 4 door sedan (W123). The biggest news though, for 1979, was the introduction of the 300 TD wagon. The Mercedes S123 as it is referred to internally has become a real sweetheart among Mercedes aficionados over the past 40 years with increasing values on the collector car market.
Price cards are inserted below for your reference with our commentary. The initial model list and price card was printed in October of 1978 (beige card).
The first price card for MY 1979 models arrived at dealers in October 1978.
The first price increase came just a couple of months later in December 1978 (green card). Most model prices increased by about 8% including the 300 D sedan, 6.9, the standard 450 SEL and the SLC. The 450 SL saw a price increase of 10% over the course of the model year.
A couple of months later, in mid-February the second price increase came out on the third price card (orange).
The final increase came in early June (blue card). It’s on this card from mid-June 1979 where the 300 TD Wagon first appears as mid-year model introduction. The S123 wagon would remain in production until the 1985 model year when it was eventually replaced by the W124 wagon which was introduced for the 1986 model year.
