Used 1979 Mercedes Benz 280 CE for sale in Fernandina Beach, FL

1975-1985 Mercedes Benz W123 Chassis was not revolutionary, but “rather a thoroughly mature mid-range car combining the latest engineering with tried and tested design features”. This summary reflects the lasting legacy of the W123 – a solidly built automobile with timeless poise and class.

Introduced in 1976, the W123 platform included a four-door sedan and sleek coupe. The W123 replaced the aging W114 and W115 platforms (also known as the “Stroke Eights”), which at the time were the most successful Mercedes Passenger cars to date. The 280C coupe was 85mm shorter than the sedan, and was absent a B-pillar, which lent the car a unique and sporty style.

In the U.S., the W123 was available in all three body styles, top of the range was the 280E and 280CE, both of which featured 2.8 liter, inline 6-cyclinder, fuel injected engines capable of 142 HP. When the W123 went out of production in 1986 it had surpassed the W114 & W115 as the bestselling Mercedes-Benz with more than 2.5 million cars sold. Mercedes built the car to last, and many including this lovely 1979 280CE are still on the road today

The 1979 280CE has a build date of October 1978, VIN: 12305312012097. The exterior body is finished in Maple Yellow (606) over Bamboo MB-Tex (104) and a 4-speed automatic transmission (420). Additional options include:
• Automatic Cruise Control (440)
• Power Windows Front & Rear (584)
• Central Locking (466)
• Automatic Climate Control (581)
• Front Folding Arm Rest (570)
• Rear Window Defroster (592)
• Becker Europa II AM/FM Radio (513)
• Power Antenna (531)
• Tinted Windows
• Complete Tool Roll & Jack
• First Aid Kit (Not original)
• Coco Mat Front Floor Mats
• 14" Bundt Alloy *Wheels (Reconditioned)
• Manufacturer's Literature
• Binder with History & Service Records

The 280CE was purchased new in Colorado Springs, CO in 1979 by an elderly lady who drove it sparingly from 1979 to 2002 adding only 24,000 miles. The second owner, a retired physician, purchased the vehicle from her estate and added another 29,000 miles between 2002 and 2019. The third owner acquired the car from Farland Classic Restoration, Englewood, CO and brought it to Santa Rosa Beach, FL in 2019 with 58,535 miles. In September 2021 I acquired the car with approximately 64,829 on the odometer; it currently has a tad over 67k miles on the clock! It is driven daily thus the mileage will increase slightly.

Overall, the exterior Maple Yellow is in exceptional condition being 43 years old, with exception of the hood which was repainted under previous ownership, most of the exterior paint is original and although shows well from 10 feet has some crazing. The interior is in excellent condition with no rips or tears. The dash does have one small crack on the passenger side by the vent. Also, the wood veneer has some cracking from age, but is all original! The vehicle receives many compliments where ever I park whether the grocery store or at a car gathering.

This 280CE comes with all the “original” Mercedes manuals including the original “data code card”. Also, a binder with history of the car (names of all previous owners) and copies of all service records.

During my ownership the following has been performed by the local independent Mercedes Benz shop, Corbin’s Automotive Co., Inc., located in Fernandina Beach, FL

• A Full 60k service including all fluids, spark plugs, valve adjustment & correct oil leak from valve cover, charge A/C, Replace Steering Damper, Replace Rear Shift Bushing, Replace power Antenna, Replace Window Switches.
• Becker Radio repaired by Becker Autosound added Bluetooth
• Upgraded all four speakers with JBL’s from Becker Autosound
• Replaced Cruise Control Amplifier as Cruise Control was inop
• Replaced Center Support Bearing and both Flex-discs
• Reconditioned Bundt 14-inch rims with new Falken Sincera 195/70/14 tires
• New Bosch Fuel Injectors, Fuel Accumulator, Fuel Distributor Valve Kit, Return Check Valve and Misc. Fuel lines.
• Added Yellow Fog Lights
• Replaced Rear Brake Rotors, Pads, Parking Brake Kit and Brake Lines
• Dents Removed by Dent Wizard