Mercedes-Benz 280E Auto

The W123 series cars were designed and produced when Mercedes-Benz’ reputation for engineering integrity and build quality was at its height.

Although the W123 was one of the mid-range offerings in the world of Benz, it was built to the same exacting standards as the top of the range S Class. The 280E was the top of the W123 tree, featuring the free revving, super smooth M110 DOHC straight-six engine. Combined with the 4-speed auto gearbox and modest kerb weight of the W123, this unit gave the 280 unexpectedly strong performance.

This well cared for 1983 example has been the subject of meticulous care and maintenance in the hands of 3 long term owners, one of whom kept the car for just under 20 years. It has covered 136,681 miles in 30 years, the service history showing that 45,000 miles were covered over the first 3 years, with the remainder accumulating at a steady rate of around 3,500 miles per year since 1986. The provenance is supported by an extensive history file comprising every MOT certificate from December 1985 to date, a heavily stamped maintenance booklet and a huge number of service invoices totalling over £9,000.  A hand-written notebook kept by the car’s second owner also accompanies the car, detailing every service item with corresponding dates and mileages over a 20 year period.

The documentation shows that the car was fitted with a new speedometer at 103,086 miles on 19th December 2001 which now shows 33,775 miles, giving a total mileage of 136,681 from new. The car had four new wings fitted at a cost of £1,350 in late 2012, the outer body panels and paintwork being described by the vendor as "near-perfect", complemented by the brightwork which is in similar condition.

The interior is finished in cream fabric and is in excellent order throughout. The front seats were re-covered in the correct material in 2002 at 105,000 miles and show no signs of wear. The dash is in excellent condition, as is the Zebrano wood trim to fascia and centre console. The car is fitted with electric windows and sunroof and an electric passenger door mirror. The stereo is a modern Blaupunkt Calgary CD/radio with hidden iPod/MP3 player connection. All carpets, interior trim and headlining are in super, unmarked condition whilst the vacuum operated central locking works as it should.

The boot area is very clean with good carpet and black plastic trim sections, the spare wheel well is excellent and comes complete with the Mercedes tool roll, jack, wheel brace and wheel chocks. The car is fitted with correct 'Mexican hat' alloy wheels and Pirelli P4 Cinturato tyres, all five in very good condition with no kerbing marks and good tread depth.

The service record shows that the car has been maintained to the nth degree, having had an oil and filter change every 5,000 miles throughout its life, along with regular brake and transmission fluid changes, all of which contribute to a 30-year-old car that, according to the vendor, feels remarkably fresh. He adds that on the road, the car drives superbly, pulling strongly with smooth gear changes from the 4-speed ZF auto. The brakes pull the car up straight and true with a ride quality that would put most modern cars to shame. The MOT runs until January 2014.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a thoroughly pampered classic W123 Mercedes. Good original examples of these robust and stylish cars are becoming harder to find, with interest in them on the increase thanks to their superb build quality and engineering integrity.