Highlights

Complete and running restoration project
Classic Icon Gold metallic over Tobacco velour
Current owner for 14 years
Registered in Poland with historic yellow plates
Reportedly starts easily, runs well without smoke and drives
Complete interior, including a crack-free dashboard

The Appeal

A shorter wheelbase and pillarless coupé profile transformed Mercedes’ bulletproof W123 sedan into the handsome C123 grand tourer. With four full seats, a big boot and a 185hp straight-six 2.8L fuel-injected engine, these cars still make perfectly usable daily drivers.

This 1980 280CE remains in its stylish period-appropriate colour scheme of Icon Gold metallic with Tobacco velour. It is a restoration project that the seller says is complete and runs and drives well. It arrived in Poland from the Netherlands and has been with the same owner for the last 14 years.

The interior is complete and retains its original character — brown velour, timber trim, the classic four-spoke steering wheel and, notably, a dashboard that the seller reports is free of cracks. The bodywork, however, tells a different story: an older repaint has deteriorated, and the sills, rear wheel arches and other typical areas show corrosion. The floor and chassis rails appear reasonably solid, offering a credible foundation. The seller can also arrange a full restoration at a well-regarded Polish specialist workshop, with scope and pricing agreed individually.

For the right buyer, here is a chance to bring a C123 back to life and specify it exactly as they want it.

The seller says:

“What you get is the right specification, a complete and original car, and a running drivetrain. It is a strong, honest base for a rewarding restoration of one of the most beautiful Mercedes-Benz coupés ever made.”

Key Information

Odometer reading: 143,723 km indicated
Country of registration: Poland (historic vehicle, yellow plates); originally from the Netherlands
Technical inspection status: current
Technical specs: 2,746 cc straight-six M110 petrol with fuel injection, 136 kW (185 hp), 4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, left-hand drive
Paperwork: Polish historic vehicle registration document, historic vehicle register documentation, chassis number on ID plate matches registration document; one key provided; no service records or manuals mentioned

The Detail

Seller states the car starts easily, runs well with no smoke and can be moved under power
We are advised that the engine requires tuning and fresh fluids
Brakes, steering and suspension would benefit from a thorough service
Finished in factory-correct Icon Gold metallic with age to the paintwork
Older repaint has not aged well and the bodywork requires full restoration
Bodywork requires restoration, including sills and panel work
Floor appears reasonably solid when viewed from below
Chassis rails show what the seller describes as mainly surface corrosion
Original interior in Tobacco velour with age to note on the seats
Upholstery and headlining would benefit from refreshing as part of a restoration
Dashboard said to be crack-free and presents well in photos
Also fitted with a towbar
A detailed inspection report and full photo gallery are available on request

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the successful bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for guidance only, and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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