Mercedes-Benz 280E Saloon

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Mercedes launched its W123 range to huge acclaim in 1976. With unmatched build quality and gracefully understated styling, the car opened up many new markets to the Stuttgart firm and proved such a success that a booming black market sprang up for those who wanted to leap-frog the 12-month waiting list.

Cream of the crop was the 280E which had a creamy smooth, fuel-injected, twin-cam 2.8 straight-six which produced an impressive 185bhp and had a top speed of 125mph. It sold steadily until it was finally replaced by the W124 range in 1985 but good ones are still highly prized today as they are one of the few classics genuinely capable of everyday use.

First registered in August 1982, this lovely 280E was purchased by the current keeper from a deceased estate in July last year. The car had been very little used for the past few years so it was sent to Tanworth Garage in Solihull for a thorough checkover and recommissioning. This entailed a full service including resetting the tappets, new brake calipers and pads all round plus various other jobs at a cost of almost £1,200 (invoice on file). Five new Michelin tyres were also fitted at considerable additional expense.

The car has covered less than 100 miles since the work was carried out, the odometer currently showing some 72,400 miles which is believed to be correct and is certainly borne out by the overall condition of the car. The previous elderly owner had fitted a beaded cover to the driver’s seat which has unfortunately damaged the cloth on the seat squab but this should be easy enough to rectify. In fact it was the next job on the list but the owner then fell in love with an SL Roadster so the 280E now has to go.

In unusually tidy condition all round, it is a real head-turner in Champagne Metallic with a russet red cloth interior, electric windows and sunroof. Performing beautifully when we took it for a quick spin to take these photos, it is due to have a new MOT in time for the sale (the current expiring in June with no advisories) and comes with an original owner’s handbook and a period sales brochure.