Highlights

Only 50,172 miles from new
Highly original car in good order
Smart Champagne metallic with brown/red fabric cabin
Current keeper since 1992
Only three keepers from new
Voluntary MOT to September 2025

The Appeal

Chiselling a handsome pillarless coupe out of the boxy W123 saloon was inspired, but then it was the work of Bruno Sacco so it was always going to be good. Today these cars, virtually hewn from stone as they are, make excellent classics because they are so usable.

This lovely Champagne metallic 280CE is a real find for aficionados. It has had just three keepers from new, including the current one since 1992. They have amassed a mere 50,172 miles from new. Even high mileage C123s survive well, but this low mileage car looks like it only left the showroom recently.

Equipped with the 185bhp 2.8L M110 straight six it can easily keep up with modern traffic while the auto box makes short work of long trips. There are a few points to note on the current voluntary MOT, but it adds useful transparency for the buyer.

This is a really honest, well kept C123 with the specification and condition to attract serious enthusiasts.

History and Paperwork

First registered in UK 15th April 1980
Retains its factory colour scheme
Three registered keepers
Current keeper since August 1992
Seller inherited the car from his grandfather
Some history as shown in photos
Factory handbooks as shown
Voluntary MOT to 28th September 2025 with advisories to note
47,168 miles on MOT test and 50,172 miles showing in photos

The Condition

Factory correct Champagne metallic (473U) paintwork in good condition
Paintwork appears to be largely original so some light age to be expected
Bodywork in good order as shown in photos
Chromework including front and rear bumpers present well
Steel wheels with body colour hub caps
Dunlop tyres showing decent sidewall condition and remaining tread
Underside shown in photos with evidence of undersealing
Points to note on underside on current MOT
‘Red fabric’ factory interior which actually presents as light brown
Interior is highly preserved with little wear even to high traffic areas
High specification car from the factory including electric windows and steel sunroof
Smart Zebrano wood veneers and switchgear in good order
Carpets and headlining also appear to be in good order
Fitted with modern stereo as shown

The Mechanics

M110 185bhp 2,746cc straight six fuel injected engine
4spd 4G-TRONIC automatic gearbox
Some history as shown
Low mileage car as shown
Points to note on current MOT

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ 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.