25-Years-Owned 58k-Mile 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE

Description

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE is part of the legendary W123 series, celebrated for its durability, engineering excellence, and timeless design. Produced from 1977 to 1985, the 280 CE served as the coupe variant of the W123, offering a sleek, pillarless two-door body (C123) and a refined interior that combined luxury with a sportier silhouette.

Power comes from the M110 2.8-liter inline-six engine equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, delivering 182 horsepower. Most examples were paired with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. A robust chassis and well-tuned suspension provided confident handling and a supple ride, hallmarks of Mercedes-Benz engineering.

Renowned for its advanced safety features and exceptional build quality, the 280 CE exudes understated sophistication. As Car and Driver observed, “Few cars combine solidity and sophistication like the W123 coupe. The 280CE feels carved from steel, yet its ride is supple and its handling reassuringly precise.”

This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 CE has traveled just 58,550 miles and was acquired by the seller 25 years ago. It is now offered with factory manuals and a clean Massachusetts title in the owner’s name.

Highlights

• Elegant two-door pillarless coupe body (C123)

• Showing 58,550 miles from new

• Clean CARFAX history report

Factory Equipment

• Finished in factory Sun Yellow (680U)

• Black Leather (231) interior

• M110 2.8-liter inline-six engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection

• Four-speed automatic transmission

• Disc brakes on all wheels

• Factory options include:

  • 228 – Auxiliary Heater

  • 404 – Multi-Contour Seat, Front Left

  • 410 – Sliding Roof, Electrically Operated

  • 420 – Automatic Transmission 4-Gear

  • 466 – Central Locking Mechanism

  • 511 – Becker Radio Mexico Cassette Full Stereo

  • 531 – Automatic Antenna

  • 586 – Behr Air Conditioner, And Electric Window Regulators Front and Rear Doors

  • 590 – Heat-Insulating Glass, All-Around, Heated Rear Window (Laminated Glass)

  • 600 – Headlamp Wiper/Washer

  • 640 – 15-Hole Light Alloy Rims

  • 682 – Fire Extinguisher

  • 870 – Electric Seat Heater for Left Front Seat

  • 871 – Electric Seat Heater for Right Front Seat

Servicing & Documentation

• Battery recently replaced

• Clean CARFAX history report

Known Imperfections

• Tear in seam on back seat (not a rip) where stitching came apart

• Leather is worn on outer edge of driver’s seat

• Some damage to front lower valence (see photo gallery)

Ownership History

According to the accompanying clean CARFAX history report, the seller purchased this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE in June 2000. The seller says the car has always been garaged during current ownership.

Included Items

• Factory manuals (in German)