Highlights
- 280 CE, very well maintained and beautifully presented
- Petrol injection 185 hp, 2.7-litre, six-cylinder in-line, manual gearbox
- Elegant white paint with blue MB-Tex interior
- Desirable Series 1 model, with “smooth” rear lights
- In the same family since 1989, and in the hands of the current owner since 2016
- Thorough maintenance history: invoices and MOTs from 1989 to 2026
- MOT valid until August 2027
The appeal
With no B-pillars, elegant styling and the signature of Paul Bracq—plus his iconic “cascade” headlamp design—the W114 coupé is a true gem of 1970s grand touring. This 1973 example ranks among the very best we’ve seen in a long time, with one major selling point: the top-spec 280 CE fuel-injected version, producing 185 hp, paired here with a particularly enjoyable manual gearbox.
The car has remained in the same family since 1989, before passing to the current owner in 2016. It presents in excellent condition: well-kept cream-white paint and a robust blue MB-Tex cabin, looking very original and carefully preserved. It drives and handles perfectly, backed up by a comprehensive maintenance history. Its excellent condition is confirmed by its long-validity MOT, valid until August 2027.
As with any car of this age, a few points are worth noting. It’s a good sign that the vendor has provided a detailed condition report that can be cross-checked against the photos.
The vendor states:
“This 280 CE is a pleasure to look at and to drive. It’s capable of covering long distances for those who know how to keep it properly maintained. This is the model with ‘smooth’ rear lights—what we call today a Series 1. The workshop and user manuals supplied when it was sold new by the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Monaco are included. (See the photo of the sticker on the boot lid, which has been there since 1989.) A complete digital file detailing all work carried out will be provided, with photos, some of which are dated. A rare set of Mercedes-Benz workshop documents from 1973 is also included. A selection of spare parts is available with the car. I remain available to meet interested enthusiasts. Please don’t multiply requests without a concrete plan.”
Key information
- Mileage: 9,300 km shown, the vendor estimates around 255,000 km in total based on MOT certificates and invoices (not verified)
- Country of registration: France (matching serial numbers confirmed)
- MOT: valid until 1 August 2027
- Technical specifications: 2,735 cc, petrol injection 185 hp, six-cylinder in-line, 4-speed manual gearbox
- Documentation: original maintenance and user manuals, rare 1973 workshop documents, invoices and MOTs from 1989 to 2026, copies of previous registration documents
The details
- Long-term family ownership since 1989
- Well-preserved white paint with matching steel wheel trims
- Some signs of touch-ups in the original colour tone
- Minor imperfections consistent with age, with no major fault reported
- Careful exterior, including branded Mercedes mudflaps
- Folding spare wheel kit in steel included
- Underside visible in the photos, appearing very healthy and well maintained
- The vendor states that an underbody treatment was carried out in 2024, documented with photos
- Clean blue MB-Tex interior, with matching mats in good condition and apparently original
- Well-preserved interior trims, factory two-spoke steering wheel and period radio
- Front and rear seatbelts fitted
- Upholstery showing patina consistent with a 1970s 280 CE
- Selection of spare parts included
- detailed list of defects available on request
Recent work (per the vendor)
- Brake system consumables, including front and rear caliper seals
- Engine service with spark plug replacement
- Cooling circuit flush and thermostat replacement
- Repair of supply hoses between the fuel tank and injectors
- Repair of the passenger-side heater control
- Check and/or replacement of engine mounts if necessary
- Replacement of the Bosch battery (May 2026)
- Replacement of the windscreen washer pump membrane at the pedal
- Speedometer repair while keeping the mileage shown at the last test
- Replacement of the electric clock
- And various other servicing work
Work between 2016 and 2023 (per the vendor)
- Track rod ends and shock absorbers
- Rear axle bushes
- Fuel pump on the tank side
- Gear linkage bushes
Vendor’s comment
“It drives very smoothly and in a linear way. The road holding is impeccable. The acceleration is both relaxed and responsive. The steering, which isn’t speed-assisted as it is on this model in 1973, takes a little getting used to. No abnormal noises while driving: the cabin is very quiet. The gearbox works perfectly. The clutch is in good condition. This coupé has been driven by our father from April 1989 right through into the 2010s. A long-time professional at the wheel, he looked after his Mercedes exceptionally well. In his memory, I wanted to continue in the same spirit.”
“It drives very smoothly and in a linear way. The road holding is impeccable. The acceleration is both relaxed and responsive. The steering, which isn’t speed-assisted as it is on this model in 1973, takes a little getting used to. No abnormal noises while driving: the cabin is very quiet. The gearbox works perfectly. The clutch is in good condition. This coupé has been driven by our father from April 1989 right through into the 2010s. A long-time professional at the wheel, he looked after his Mercedes exceptionally well. In his memory, I wanted to continue in the same spirit.”
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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions.
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✓ This vehicle is “sold as seen”, on a “take it or leave it, where it is” basis and with no warranty. The photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it’s standard practice to have the vehicle fully inspected before purchase for your own peace of mind.
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