Mercedes-Benz 280CE Coupe

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Mercedes launched its W123 range to huge acclaim in 1976. Fabulously well-built and with gracefully understated styling, the car was such an instant success that a booming black market sprang up to serve those who wanted to leap-frog the 12-month waiting list.

Most handsome of all were the 230CE and 280CE coupes, based on a shortened W123 saloon platform and with elegant pillarless side windows. The 280CE had a fuel-injected 2.8-litre straight-six engine which produced a healthy 185bhp and 173lb/ft of torque, sufficient to propel the car to a top speed of 125mph. It sold steadily until it was finally replaced by the W124 range in 1985.

First registered in February 1980, this particular 280CE has had five owners from new, the vendor acquiring it in 2010 from a gentleman who had owned it for 19 years. In storage for some time when acquired, it was very sound and original but the paint was tired so it was treated to a full professional respray and now looks very smart indeed.

Mechanically, the car was treated to a thorough reconditioning, a process which included replacing all six injectors with new units and the fitting of an overhauled injector pump. According to the vendor, it now runs superbly and is one of the nicest 110-series engines he has experienced.

The odometer reads under 48,000 miles, and although there is insufficient history to warrant this, the overall condition of the car gives no reason to doubt it. The interior is in very good order, with excellent carpets and trim, the driver’s seat base having been replaced with new cloth, the rest remaining in original condition. The rear seats look like they have never been used.

There are five MOTs on file, showing minimal mileage over the last few years, although it has been a regular attendee at Mercedes-Benz club rallies and W123 register Concours events, always drawing admiring glances. Its current MOT expires in July 2019 with no advisories recorded.

It is rare to find a W123 with so few miles on the clock and in such fine, original condition, especially in Coupe form. This example is well-known amongst Mercedes-Benz cognoscenti and comes fitted with a factory sunroof which, coupled with its elegant pillarless design, makes it a wonderful summer cruiser.

AMENDMENT - Revised estimate of £6,000 - £8,000