Highlights

Family owned since 2003 with extensive paperwork
Rare and desirable Thistle green interior trim
Extensive recent mechanical work
MOT and Tax exempt

The Appeal

The W123-series Mercedes has long been celebrated for its bulletproof engineering, restrained elegance, and sheer everyday usability — qualities that made it a staple of diplomatic fleets, taxi ranks, and family driveways alike. Today, a good 280 TE estate remains a supremely practical and increasingly collectible classic, combining robust six-cylinder performance with genuine load-lugging capability.

This particular example stands out for its rare Thistle Green interior, a charming period colour that sets it apart from the usual beiges and blacks. Family-owned since 2003, it has been regularly used for weekend adventures and holidays. It has also benefited from a host of recent maintenance, including a new radiator, discs, pads, callipers, exhaust system, rear suspension lines, and handbrake — ensuring it continues to drive as it should.

It’s also tax and MOT exempt, features a working sunroof, and has been garage-stored, contributing to its overall solid condition. While it isn’t a concours showpiece, it’s exactly the kind of classic that encourages use and enjoyment, offering character, reliability, and bags of charm

The History and Paperwork

Family owned since 2003
Extensive history file with invoices and records of maintenance
Recent work includes new radiator, brake discs, pads and callipers, exhaust, rear suspension lines and handbrake
Garage stored for much of its life
V5C present
Tax and MOT exempt

The Condition

In good overall condition for its age
Original green exterior presents well, with some bubbling to the lower offside rear door and rear wing (as photographed)
Underneath appears solid and well-preserved
Rare Thistle green interior in excellent condition, save for a bare patch on the back of the rear seats (as shown in photos)
All electrical items and features reported to be working correctly
Headlining nice, clean and taught
Clean and dry boot area containing the correct spare wheel and jack
Rear fog light glass needs replacing
All electrics and functions are reported to be working correctly

The Mechanics

2.8-litre straight-six- petrol engine
4-speed automatic gearbox
Factory rated at 182bhp
Benefits from significant recent mechanical work including:
New radiator
New brake discs, pads and callipers
New exhaust system
New rear suspension lines
New handbrake
Described by the vendor as driving reliably and comfortably with no known issues to report
Engine reported to run smoothly with good oil pressure

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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning 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 solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..