Mercedes-Benz 280TE (W123)

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Fabulously well-made and with gracefully understated styling, Mercedes-Benz sold some 2.7 million W123 models before it was replaced by the sharply-styled W124 in 1986. It was, by far, the most successful Mercedes to date.

Available as a saloon, coupe or estate, with engines ranging from 2.0 – 2.8-litres for the petrol versions and 2.4 – 3.0-litres for the diesels, fuel injection was introduced from 1980 and the range was improved still further with the ‘facelift’ models from September 1982 onwards.

First supplied new in January 1986, this super 280TE, ‘T’ for Touring and ‘E’ for fuel injection, comes from the W123’s last year of production and believe it or not, was the among the first range of Mercedes factory-built estates, earlier estates having come from outside coachbuilders.

Finished in Champagne gold with matching Date brown cloth interior, the car looks very smart indeed, particularly given the recent full re-spray it was treated to in 2018 along with refurbishment of the smart and period-correct Mexican Hat alloy wheels.

It is powered by the venerable M110 2.8-litre straight-six mated to automatic transmission and the internal spec includes cruise control, manual sunroof, power windows, head lamp wash, wood effect trim and the seven seat option with an extra bench seat hidden under the floor in the boot.

just 126,547 miles covered at the time of cataloguing, the car is barely run in and with additional recent expenditure including new Michellin tyres, renewed suspension and brake components and an engine service, it is ready to enjoy some retro family touring this summer.

The car’s history file includes the owners-manual, stamped history book and comprehensive service records along with a current MOT running until April 2020 with no advisories recorded. We love these!