Description
With its powerful, fuel-injected, twin-cam, 185bhp, 2. 8-litre six-cylinder (M110/ 988), the 280CE Coupé was the flagship of the W123 range. Finished in Signal Red, this elegant example spent its early days with its first owner in the Isle of Man before moving to Dublin for the majority of its life with its second owner. In 2020, it was brought back to the UK by me, and in 2023 the decision was taken to refresh the lower half of the bodywork. The panels were taken back to bare metal and fresh metal let in to the arches front and rear before being carefully prepared and refinished in its original Signal Red. This work was carried out to a very high standard.
The car’s History File is very comprehensive and contains a fully stamped Service Book, dating back from day one to 2022, and the traditional, red leather, Dealer Book Pack is in immaculate condition displaying all the relevant manuals and instructions. The Service History folder is contains invoices covering all aspects of work carried out over the years. The car comes with three keys, including the valet key. It has an MOT until September 9th, after which it will no longer require one, as it is now registered as a Historic Vehicle.
Internally the car presents exceptionally well, especially considering it has covered almost 126, 000 miles. The interior is virtually unmarked, the woodwork retains a decent shine with not one single crack to the dashboard and the original carpets are like new. The engine bay displays honesty and originality with new parts fitted here and there and in December 2024 it had fresh fluids including engine oil and filters, coolant and brake fluid. For a near-41 year old car, the underside is amazing with no welding plates to floor or sill areas and wearing its original underseal. To protect the originality, it’s had a full Waxoyl treatment, also in December 2024 and as part of a refresh programme the front springs have been replaced with genuine Mercedes parts to ensure the correct ride height. Some £17, 000 has been spent on the car in the last 24 months.
Although this 280CE is in excellent condition, the rear windows have stopped working (no-one has sat in the back in the five years I’ve owned the car, which may be the problem!) and the driver’s window sticks a little. The bonnet catch has a temporary repair. Everything else functions as it should, including the electric sunroof and central locking, and the car drives very well.
It's been garaged for the last three years, and has covered some 14, 000 miles in my ownership, including a recent return trip to Goodwood (300 miles) with no issues. It will make an excellent base for further improvement or just to enjoy as it is.
