Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

Mercedes 280CE was introduced as one of the C123 variants during 1978, just one year after the saloon had first hit showrooms in Europe. Featuring the M110 power plant inline six cylinder with the DOHC and Bosch K-jetronic injection. This example was one of the last 280CE’s registered in 1986 by Mercedes (Head Office) Retail on the Great West Road, Brentford and is currently showing 90796 miles travelled. Supplied with the 4-speed automatic transmission (how many are left show 66 either sorn or taxed in 2021). Sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike who revel in the pillarless design, robust build quality and bullet proof mechanicals.

Country Classic Cars are pleased to offer this Mercedes C280CE a commission sale as instructed by a regular client. Having seen various C123 examples go via our workshops and forecourt we know what they are about and look to offer a ‘warts and all’ appraisal for any potential buyer avoiding disappointment resulting from a lack of detail within sales adverts; our appraisal begins with the exterior. A solid example with straight panels and even gaps as you would expect from a quality Mercedes. The Pageant Red was applied by Indygo Refinishing (Dorset) when the 280 enjoyed a full respray in 2013 and invoice is supplied. Original chrome has not been neglected and still presents well, bright and clean whilst all the (impossible to find) anodised trim strips are present and only suffer from the odd age-related fading you can view under the closest scrutiny. Under the bonnet original factory stickers/plates are retained across the front panel confirming no major repair work has been required to this area. The popular period wheels present well although perfectionists may look to freshen whilst the passenger door mirror glass has slight delamination. The cabin on this 280CE is a delight, ultraclean velour trim with unmarked original carpets throughout and perfect roof lining, although we did note the slightest cracking to the veneer surface (age-related) on the centre console alongside the rear window switches. Fully loaded for the period, this CE came with electric sunroof, windows, passenger mirror, aerial, central locking, power steering and cruise control; testing confirmed everything operated correctly. Period Blaupunkt radio/cassette looks slightly tired with Panasonic speakers fitted to the rear parcel shelf.

On the road you can appreciate what the CE is all about, certainly a cruiser although the straight six appears unstressed when asked to get a move on; 182bhp@5800rpm with a 10 second 0-60mph modern traffic offers no concerns and motorway cruising can be enjoyed in and around the speed limit or up to 120mph whilst frugal drivers can return 30mpg. Gear changes from the four-speed auto are slick and uncomplicated, the suspension soaks up all but the worst surfaces and whilst there is body roll when pushed, it is not excessive. No doubt this big Merc is best suited to longer distances on relaxed A & B roads and crossing the South Downs it felt at home; and also received plenty of admiring glances.

A five-owner classic that enjoyed its first home in London and includes original service pack with excellent history file including main dealer maintenance/specialist stamps for:

Registration 11.02.1986

1081 miles – 04.07.1986

6184 – 26.08.1987

17946 – 06.10.1988

23626 – 02.10.1989

29267 – 16.10.1990

38630 – 31.05.1994

41989 – 12.04.1995

49109 – 21.12.1995

55205 – 28.08.1996

63033 – 27.06.1997

69594 – 10.02.1998

75800 – 07.07.1999

80025 – 12.09.2002

81139 – 29.09.2006

From 2006 the file contains invoices for servicing and work carried out up to present with a full service carried out October 2019 @ 88277 miles plus prop bearing replacement and oil change May 2021 @ 89563. Original bills of sale plus old MOT certificates (current test running until October 2022) even tax discs collected over the decades. This Mercedes also comes with a quality full size car cover and two keys.

For additional information please message with your email address for multiple detailed images and walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only and within current Covid guidelines and whilst inspections are encouraged, please bear in mind the changing situation but at this time we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.