Highlights

Desirable top specification 2.8L model
Well specified with full leather, sunroof and Mexican Hat alloys
Recent professionally repaired underbody sills and jacking points
All brake lines and components replaced
Taxed and on the road

The Appeal

The C123 cleverly turned the boxy saloon into a sleek pillarless coupe. These spacious four-seaters make great touring cars, particularly when equipped as here with the powerful 2.8L straight six engine.

This Signal Red car carries a high factory specification that includes a sunroof, full beige leather with front and rear headrests and classic ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys. Its handful of keepers have kept it factory-standard and in fine, usable shape.

The vendor acquired the car earlier this year and intended to keep it. That explains why he embarked on wide-ranging improvements, including rectifying minor parking dings and repairing the sills and jacking points. The car has been properly undersealed. We’re told that the brake system has also been overhauled.

From April 2026, this car will be eligible for Historic Vehicle status, adding to its considerable appeal.

The vendor says:

“The 280CE coupe is a delight to drive with oodles of power, smoothly delivered with that classic, understated look that only a Mercedes of this era possesses. Sorting out the door/window seals, ceiling liner and a fresh paint job, plus some elbow grease to top and tail her, is going to deliver a stunning car in the rare red/biscuit interior combo, underpinned by appreciating value for this desirable marque.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 7th March 1985
Factory built january 1985
Six keepers from new
Current keeper since July 2025
Eligible for Historic Vehicle status from 1st April 2026
Current owner purchased the car to refresh its appearance
Project incomplete due to owner's relocation and new role
Fitted with black and silver display plates
Qualifies as MOT exempt
Vendor advises that odometer has been replaced
He estimates the total mileage at 190,000 miles but this is not verified

The vendor says:

“The car was purchased by the current owner with a view to refreshing her appearance to realise her full potential as the head-turner she is. The bodywork was generally in good condition but had a few dings in the doors, which were straightened out, and some corrosion to the underbody sills and jacking points, which were professionally cut out, repaired, and waxoyl applied - see pictures. The next stage was to replace door/window seals and refresh the paintwork, but a new role and relocation left no time to complete the last stage and hence the car is now being offered for sale.”

The Condition

Well-specified car in factory Signal Red, which is generally well-kept
Bodywork appears in smart condition, straight and clean with all corrosion addressed
Underbody sills and jacking points professionally repaired with WaxOyl applied
Slight bubbling of paintwork in one location near front windscreen and one near the rear windscreen
Vendor states that door dings straightened out
Chrome trim is in very good condition as shown
Rubber seals for doors and front/back windows need replacement
Mexican Hat alloy wheels in good order as shown
Beige leather interior is well kept for age, with some age typical of mileage
Headlining has a tear in one corner and needs replacement
Vendor states that leather seats are in good condition but dry and need conditioning
Front seat springs in reasonable condition, we are told
All gauges reported to be working
Carpets need steam cleaning according to seller
Electric windows work but we are told that they need servicing
Sunroof is said to work well
New tyres and battery installed recently
Remaining work advised by seller: door/window seals, fresh paint job, ceiling liner replacement, interior detailing

The vendor says:

“The bodywork is now in excellent shape, straight and clean, with any corrosion having been dealt with. Slight bubbling of paintwork in one location adjacent to the front and one to the rear windscreens now remains to be treated as part of a new paint job to make her sparkle. Chrome trim around the car is in very good condition, but the rubber seals to the doors and front/back windows are in need of replacement.

“The ceiling liner has a tear in one corner – replacing it would freshen up the interior. Leather seats are in good condition, undamaged but dry and in need of some TLC to bring them up. Front seat springs are in reasonable condition. Gauges all working. Carpets could do with a steam clean.”

The Mechanics

2.8-litre straight six fuel-injected engine
Four-speed automatic transmission
All brake lines and parts have been replaced we are told
Reported to start first time and run smoothly
We are told that the transmission is smooth and quiet
Clean engine bay as shown
The vendor states it has "oodles of power, smoothly delivered"

The vendor says:

“All brake lines and parts have been replaced, the engine starts first time, runs smoothly befitting the 2.8-litre in-line six. Transmission smooth and quiet. Presents mechanically very well with a clean engine bay. Electric windows work – after a fashion – but need servicing. Sunroof works well. New tyres and battery.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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