1980 | Mercedes-Benz 280 CE

This C123 280CE is a fantastic find with just 36k miles from new. Finished in Thistle Green metallic with black cloth trim and upgraded with air conditioning.

Thistle Green paintwork is contrasted by black cloth trim and Zebrano wood. Its specification includes automatic transmission, electric front windows with manual rear, electric sunroof and cruise control, along with standard features such as power steering and central locking.

First registered in March 1980 by Charles Sidney Ltd of Bradford to a Mr Walton of Halifax. We have almost all the MoT certificates up to 2004 showing the mileage increasing gradually each year, sometimes by less than 100 miles.

In 2012 the then owner commissioned Cheshire Classic Benz to fit air conditioning – a very desirable feature very few UK market 123s were fitted with.

In 2013 the car was sold by Avantgarde at 22k miles, and the last owner acquired the car in 2017 at 23k miles, and rather than simply storing the car away, he has used and enjoyed the car covering 13k dry miles during his 8-year ownership, attending shows and Mercedes Club events as often as possible.

Being such a stylish and usable classic, 123 Coupés tended to be driven and as such low mileage examples are extremely rare, particularly of the most powerful 280.

As the photos hopefully show, this car is an exceptional example and presents extremely well with beautiful bodywork and brightwork. To our eyes the painted wheel trims are even more attractive than the optional alloys, and wear matching Khumo tyres.

Very good and solid underneath with no previous repairs evident and well protected by rust-proofing wax. The engine bay is very clean and tidy too.

The interior is in excellent condition throughout and completely original bar the installation of a new Blaupunkt stereo and the A/C controls fitted in 2012.

Drives beautifully with a tightness that only low mileage cars have. The cruise control module has just been reconditioned so that works as it should and the air conditioning blows cold.

The history file incorporates all the car’s original books/manuals and the despatch paperwork from when new. In addition, there are original brochures and literature.

In addition to MoT certificates going back to the early 80s, there is a folder of invoices detailing all work carried out in recent years. Most recently, in 2025, the car received an overhaul of the braking system.

Registered as a Historic Vehicle, making it tax, MoT and ULEZ exempt. Despite not requiring an MoT, it has an MoT until May 2026 with no advisories.

A rare opportunity to acquire a low mileage 123 coupé with the 280 engine and air conditioning. A beautiful and highly usable classic Mercedes.