Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

Mercedes 280CE Manual (W114) from 1975, showing just 22220 miles from new which is believed to be genuine. As you can view from the images this car is more ‘spares’ than repair although Country Classic Cars acquired the car in 2014 with the intention of returning this classic coupe to the road.

There is little doubt this 280CE will be purchased by a custodian who understands the marque and appreciates exactly what this model presents. If ever a Mercedes was undervalued by the open market the W114 in coupe form is a prime example. Maybe it wasn’t appreciated fully due to enthusiasts not being able to ‘see the wood for the trees’ courtesy of the sheer numbers of saloon combinations, whilst the smaller CE siblings offered in 200 or 230 didn’t quite fulfil, with the 280 proving to be the ‘cream of the crop’. Its powerful straight six with Bosche injection achieved 62mph in under ten seconds and cruise at the magic ‘ton’ all day long.

As previously mentioned, this example also benefits from a four-speed manual plus factory air conditioning. The reason we have not restored this Mercedes is quite simple, customers cars come first and so after six years our workshops show no signs of becoming quieter. The time has arrived to offer another custodian the opportunity to rebuild this one or most likely keep another example mobile. The story behind this car is one reason we purchased it in the first place.

Special order from Mercedes in 1974, it was supplied to a self-made gentleman who grew up in the care of Barnardos but would go on to live in the Middle East and make his fortune from clothing. On retiring to the Seychelles, he ordered the 280CE in right hand drive anticipating an eventual return to the UK. Options included full leather, Becker audio plus the all-new (for the period) injection system. Soon after the car would be transported to his new home at Burgenstock Resort, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland and was often used to assist his Swiss neighbours with lifts into town or the airport; much appreciated by Carlo Pointe and wife Sophia Loren as they were also firm fans of the three-pointed star themselves. Upon his death in 1999 the Mercedes did actually make it to the UK and onto his daughter, unfortunately it was not for her and it was sold on to a cousin. Realising its potential, the new owner would be part of this cars other claim to fame, providing it for use as a ‘dressing car’ for an embassy scene in a James Bond movie plus appearing in several episodes of the series ‘The Bill’. After which it was parked in an underground car park for several years where the constant dripping on the roof eventually rusted a hole through and filled the interior. We purchased the car from a company called Racing Car Films and immediately removed most of the interior for safe keeping, additional items have been purchased subsequently. This car is complete and every part will come as part of the deal also the list of additional parts include: Solid o/s front wing, both doors, 2 x sill panels.

We drove this 280CE across Sussex to our workshops in 2014 and ran the car again recently and although the fuel pump has expired this engine starts and idles nicely whilst the gearbox selects ratios with ease. We will be happy to start the car for any interest parties. The sale also includes number plate MBZ 3890, any history we have plus an original owners-manual.

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. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only and within current Government guidelines, we are happy to offer inspections and will do our best to answer any questions you may have.