Highlights

Preserved and very original Aqua Blue W114 coupe
Desirable 182bhp 2.8L fuel injected model with 4spd auto
Only five keepers and same family owned since the 1980s
Recently recommissioned after 25 years in storage
£2,200 in 2025 on brakes, coolant system, fuel system and undersealing
Original book pack and service book with rip-out tags still intact
Voluntary MOT valid to May 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

The first keeper of this well-preserved W114 used it for trips to the seaside so his choice of attractive Aqua Blue was entirely appropriate. In the intervening 53 years, it has been carefully used and stored and remains highly original, including the lovely blue leather cabin. As a 280CE it is the one to have, fitted with the 182bhp M110 straight six mated to a 4spd auto box. It’s a perfect cruising spec, which is what these long-legged four-seaters with their big comfy seats were designed for.

The current keeper acquired this car for his father in 1986, and it’s remained in the family ever since. It was placed into storage in 2000 and then recommissioned in 2025 with over £2,200 of work. Attention was paid to the coolant, braking and fuel systems, plus paint rectification and undersealing. The sense of a solid, very usable W114 is reinforced by a useful voluntary MOT valid to May 2026 with no advisories.

Some classics are stylish but impractical. Not so this 280CE - you get the handsome Bracq lines plus spacious cabin, big boot and a drivetrain that suits a modern classic. With its interesting history and recent work, it represents a great buy.

The vendor says:

“This stunning example has been in the same family since the 1980's, and has recently been through a light recommissioning after spending the last 25 years in storage.

“A true 'survivor' car, this CE 280 Coupe presents in lovely condition. Having been stored for a large majority of its life the paintwork is largely original and stands in great condition for its age. Both the interior and exterior present with charming patina.”

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History and Paperwork

First registered 10th August 1973 in the United Kingdom
Five registered keepers
Current keeper since February 2001
Same family owned since 1986 with summary of history below
Various invoices and receipts accumulated over the years
Some spares included as shown
Original radio included
V5C
Service book and handbooks as shown
06/25 invoice for brake, coolant, fuel system, undersealing and paint repairs

June 2025 light recommissioning work:

New battery
New fuel pipe from tank
New coolant hoses and clips
Fresh antifreeze
Remove spark plugs and clean out intake system
Strip and free off handbrake linkage
Strip and free off rear brakes
Weld small area of O/S/R inner sill
Underseal underside
Full valet

History:

17/04/89 - 75,172 miles - The Snowdon Motor Co. LTD Mercedes-Benz
08/03/88 - 67,300 miles - Dunn's Motors Mercedes-Benz (Exeter) LTD
13/11/86 - 61,118 miles - H.A. Fox (Torquay) LTD
06/06/84 - 55,228 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
06/06/83 - 54,855 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
15/06/81 - 50,119 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
01/03/80 - 45,015 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
23/11/78 - 40,191 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
04/07/78 - 37,630 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
15/02/78 - 34,739 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
27/07/77 - 29,777 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
02/02/77 - 25,324 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
03/06/76 - 20,095 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
25/09/75 - 15,273 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
12/03/75 - 11,336 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
04/10/74 - 8,158 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
10/09/73 - 801 miles - Central Garage LTD, Brixham
10/08/73 - First registered

The vendor says:

“Originally purchased to chauffeur its owner around the local seafront, the car was subsequently purchased by my client as a present for his father in 1986.

“Having then lived its life in the same immediate family until the passing of my clients father in 2000, it was put into long term storage for the next 25 years.

“In June of 2025 the car was removed from storage and subject to a light recommissioning.”

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The Condition

Attractive Aqua Blue light blue paintwork in good condition for age and mileage
Recent minor paint rectification work prior to sale
Some light marks to note to paintwork shown in photos such as door edge chips
Bodywork presents well with good panel fit and well-kept panel edges
Small areas of bubbling such as the offside rear arch and C pillar as shown
Vendor advises car has only minor marks and age-appropriate paint imperfections
Steel wheels with body colour chrome hub caps showing light scuffs
Steel spare wheel with tool kit as shown
Chromework in good order with some tarnish to note to some fittings
Blue leather four-seat interior with matching blue factory carpets
Leather in good order with light age typical of its originality
Carpets present well with wear to note to the driver’s footwell trim
Veneers to the dashboard in good order
Door cards and headlining present well in photos
Slight discolouration to the centre console and some cracks to the dashboard top near the vent
Fitted with a 1980s Pioneer radio cassette with the original included with the car

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The Mechanics

2,778cc M110 6cl 182bhp fuel injected engine
Four-speed automatic transmission
Recent £2,2000 recommissioning including fuel, coolant and brake systems
Vendor reports the engine starts and runs very well, and the gearbox shifts smoothly
Only drive a short distance since completion of recommissioning; recently drove 6 miles and reported driving very well
Current MOT with no advisories

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BEFORE YOU BUY

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