Mercedes-Benz 280CE Coupe

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 service 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.

While the 230CE made do with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine which produced around 130bhp, the 280CE had a creamy smooth fuel-injected 2.8-litre straight-six which produced an impressive 180bhp and had a top speed of 125mph. It sold steadily until it was finally replaced by the W124 range in 1985.

First registered in October 1982, this particular car had just one titled lady owner from new until 2006 when it was acquired by the current vendor. It has covered only 73,700 miles from new and looks most attractive in silver with a blue velour interior. Equipment includes a sliding steel sunroof (with a new mechanism and seals recently fitted by specialist Roger Edwards of London), cruise control, a CD player and alloy wheels.

The current vendor has driven about 8,000 miles in the car and states that it has been well maintained throughout this time and has always proved very reliable. Unfortunately the service records prior to him acquiring the car have been lost, but the vendor believes that it had a full Mercedes-Benz service history during her ladyship’s 24-year ownership. It comes with the original owner’s handbook, original tool kit, current tax disc and an MOT valid until October 2012.

It may be a particularly well-pampered example, but this car is testament to a Mercedes build quality that is sadly no longer with us. Just try closing those doors – they don’t make ‘em like that anymore…