Recently overhauled and returned to running condition by a classic-car specialist
MOT valid until 28th June 2023
Can be enjoyed as is or subjected to a sympathetic rolling restoration
The Appeal
There’s absolutely no reason why classic cars shouldn’t be used as daily-drivers, and it’s nice that some people do use them like that. Of all the cars aged between 35 and 45 years old which are still in day-to-day use, we’d guess that the W123 Mercedes accounts for the largest number of them. ‘Durable’ and ‘bulletproof’ are the first words which spring to mind when discussing the W123, followed closely by ‘handsome’, ‘luxurious’ and ‘supremely practical’.
Mercedes launched its W123 platform in 1976, and we wonder if a more versatile car ever went into production. It combined style and comfort with ruggedness and functionality so well that W123s found buyers in all sorts of people globally, from London antique dealers to African farmers, and everyone in between. Available as a saloon, coupé, estate or limousine, with petrol or diesel engines, its uses were endless and it’s no wonder that 2,696,915 were made before production ended in 1986. It’s no surprise, either, that thousands of them are still giving faithful everyday service around the world.
Coupés carried the C or CE designation, and 280 denoted the 2.8-litre version of the M110 petrol straight-six. While we have pointed out that the popularity of the W123 meant over two million were made and their durability means many survive, the 280 CE, being one of the more luxurious offerings, was naturally higher-priced and built in lower volume. Production only reached 32,176 units, so they’re much rarer than the saloons and estates.
This car’s history is traceable back to 2009, when it was sold as a non-runner by Wagen Wheels of Southampton. It has remained in the Southampton area with a classic-car specialist who has got it on the road again, and now it presents a fantastic and affordable way to own what is probably one of Mercedes’ best cars, a 124mph luxury coupé. There remain a few jobs still to do, and the bodywork has not been touched so may require some attention, but it recently passed an MoT without too many advisories, so it has great potential either as a daily driver or rolling project.yd8Oi70KZ2aRJ2FP9tXffkx5JZUD677ZsAitFSg0.jpeg1.05 MB
The History and Paperwork
Originally sold in Champagne Metallic and registered in Bangor in August 1984
Taken off the road in 2008 and purchased in June 2009 as a non-runner by the proprietor of Wagen Wheels, an early Golf GTi specialist in Southampton
Sold to a private owner in July 2009 and recently bought by the vendor, a Southampton classic-car specialist who has got it running, driving and back on the road in June
Sold with the most recent V5, the current MoT certificate, an original 230CE and 280CE sales brochure, a Mercedes-Benz 250 & 280 Haynes manual, three MoT certificates from 2005 to 2007, a copy of Wagen Wheels’ 2009 eBay listing, the sales invoice from Wagen Wheels and details of the car’s original specification by the Mercedes-Benz Club Russia
Specified when new with numerous extra-cost options
Scope for some restoration work if desired
Stepping into a Mercedes is to enter into a world of comfort and luxury, and one certainly gets a sense of that with this W123. The interior is spacious, and the seats are most accommodating and comfortable. The tastefully restrained application of wood trim hints at luxury without ostentation, and the interior plastics have a distinct feel of solidity and quality, which is not something that can be said about many modern cars.
As far as we can see, all the upholstery and fittings are original, including a number of optional extras which are as follows:
Luggage nets on front seat backrests
Electric sunshine roof
Rear headrests
Central locking system
Electrically adjustable door mirrors
Front folding armrest with internal stowage space
Behr air-conditioning and electric windows
Heat-insulating glass, heated rear window and tinted windscreen strip
While we advocate preserving originality as far as possible, we do acknowledge that the seats have sustained some light damage which cannot be readily repaired without reupholstering them, for there are some small holes which look to have been made by moths.
Moth marks aside, we are extremely impressed with how well the Mercedes’ interior has lasted over 38 years. There are a few light marks in places, on the carpets, seat bases and some of the door fittings, but we can safely file them under ‘patina’, for they do the car no harm and lend it a bit of character. There are some cracks in the wood finish of the centre console, aft of the gear lever, but apart from that, everything we see is in lovely condition, and we are pleased to note that all the electric windows work. The dash and headlining are both superb, and we really do find that the interior creates a very pleasant environment for motoring.
Desirably fitted with the optional electric sliding roof
Generally very solid all-round with some small areas for cosmetic improvement
To preserve or restore is a debate that will probably rage in the classic-car world for all eternity. We’re not going to enter into it; we’ll just say that this Mercedes gives you the opportunity to do either, so proceed as best pleases you.
The Champagne Metallic is a lovely paint colour which is quietly suggestive of wealth without shouting about it. It presents well for a car which has been around for 38 years and has been in regular use for many of those but, as should be expected, it has picked up a few marks here and there. There are some light scratches on most of the panels, and a little bit of bubbling in places which is mainly limited to the areas around the side trim and some of the panel seams.
For the most part, it’s all cosmetic, although it may be advisable to keep an eye on the bubbling near the base of the offside front wing and front door, which could require attention in the future. As far as we can see, though, everything is structurally solid; the sills and floors look good, and the MoT tester has found nothing to fault.
Everything else is as may be expected – good, with some light patina. That goes for all the chrome (we did see that some of the chrome is beginning to lift on the rear bumper), the elegant wheel trims, the glass and so on.
As far as we’re concerned, we can’t see a problem. If you’ve read this far, it must be because you’re looking for either a characterful car to use every day or a straightforward restoration project. Either way, this Mercedes sounds just right for either purpose.nYkBaxZXxw0qqQJ8AGgTRgZXiV7seXZuKPbGrvbC.jpeg1.14 MB
The Mechanics
Newly returned to running and driving condition
MoTed in June with only minor advisories
Easy to drive with power steering and automatic gearbox
Starting quickly on the first turn of the key, this Mercedes promises to be a pleasure to drive. From the way it runs, you’d not guess that had been off the road and in storage for several years. There was a squeal coming from the alternator when we saw the car, but the vendor advises that a few squirts of WD40 has eliminated that noise.
Having thus quietened down, we can only think what a lovely long-distance cruiser it must be. It has all the conveniences you’d hope for from a luxury car, such as an automatic gearbox and power steering, and it amounts to a car which is so effortless to drive. The brakes are strong and the ride comfortable, so it’s very much to our satisfaction.
Having been subjected to an MoT test in June and passed it with only minor advisories (slight tyre wear and ‘nearside front service brake binding but not excessively’), we are sure this 280CE is all ready to take to the road properly for the first time in 14 years.
All the work to get the car running has been completed by the vendor, a classic-car specialist. We are very impressed by it, considering it was laid up for 14 years, and have every confidence in the vendor’s work. Even so, he does encourage anyone with any questions or doubts to visit him and inspect the car for themselves.ptPCHT43bgjQg5wzxiaKXKWMyBhg5mWYH367WNyG.jpeg1.22 MB
The Summary
As an all-rounder – stylish, luxurious, practical and well-engineered – there’s an argument to be made that the W123 was the best car Mercedes made; certainly, its longstanding popularity would testify to that. The 280CE is probably the best-looking variant, and this one is particularly nice.
As we’ve stressed, it was a non-runner for a long time and, as it stands, there are some cosmetic blemishes and light wear to the interior and exterior, but all the fundamentals are very good. It is structurally sound and drives well, and we believe this could be a great car to use every day. Of course, they are becoming increasingly collectable and valuable, and it could just as easily prove a sound basis for a fairly simple rolling restoration – the choice is yours.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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