Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 201
1978 Mercedes-Benz 280CE Coupe Chassis no. 123.053.12.007657
Sold for US$4,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 201
1978 Mercedes-Benz 280CE Coupe
1978 Mercedes-Benz 280CE Coupe
Chassis no. 123.053.12.007657
Chassis no. 123.053.12.007657
2,746cc DOHC Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
185bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Rare and attractive W123 Coupe
*Adorned with AMG West parts
*Robust twin-cam six-cylinder power
*Tidy example
*Requires recommissioning
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W123
The Mercedes-Benz W123 arrived in 1975 as the company's mid-sized volume-sales leader. The fresh, modern styling by Friedrich Geiger and Bruno Sacco struck a chord with buyers, who eagerly queued for this handsome new Mercedes model the moment it hit showrooms. In fact, demand was so strong that some customers resorted to paying thousands of Deutschmarks above MSRP for gently used models to avoid the long backlog from the factory.
It was Mercedes-Benz's own strict quality control measures that delayed production, and the W123's enduring popularity meant that the wait list lasted clear through to the end of production in 1986. While Mercedes buyers of today pay for the latest technology and technical wizardry, the W123's premium price reflected the obsessive attention to quality and refinement. Over-engineered, meticulously built, and astoundingly durable, the W123 was perfect for everyone from affluent families to executives, to heads of state. Famously, base models served as taxis on nearly every continent and can still be found on duty, particularly in harsh environments. Professional drivers so loved the W123 that when its replacement, the W124, arrived in 1985, German taxi drivers took to the streets to protest the loss of their beloved workhorses!
While the sedan comprised the bulk of production, there was also a practical four-door estate and a stylish 2-door coupe. The coupe was the sportiest of the bunch, particularly when equipped with the peppy 185bhp twin-cam six and it earned its place among a long and proud line of Mercedes-Benz grand touring coupes.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1978 280CE is a fine example of the charming pillarless coupe on the W123 chassis. Finished in Light Ivory over Palomino upholstery, it shows 162,887 miles at the time of cataloguing and has been tucked away indoors as part of Mr. Taylor's hoard of Mercedes cars. It remains in tidy condition overall and while relatively standard, it does have an AMG West steering wheel. This 280CE presents an excellent opportunity as an entry-level classic, as these cars are renowned for their refinement, serviceability, and legendary longevity. Please note that it has not been run or started while in the care of Bonhams and will require recommissioning.
Footnotes
Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Additional information
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