1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE

First registered in the UK on 2nd November 1987, this 280 TE has had two former keepers from new. The first owner bought the car in Holland, and it was later registered in the UK in 1987 and passed to their nephew. It’s finished in Lapis Blue with a blue fabric interior and looks very original.

Owned by its current vendor since 2021, this Mercedes has been treated to much work including a comprehensive overhaul by Mercedes specialist, Edward Hall with over £23,000 spent.

The specification when new included a mechanical sunroof, cruise control, central locking, front arm rest, electric windows, heated and tinted glass, headlamp washers, luggage cover, split rear seats and rear child seats giving seating for seven. Under the bonnet, the proven 2.8-litre M110 E28 fuel-injected six-cylinder petrol engine develops 182bhp.

This highly original looking 280 TE is one of fewer than 60 left on UK roads. It presents very well overall, although the paintwork has age related blemishes and is beginning to show signs of bubbling in places. Our vendor tells us "the vehicle underwent a 2 day valet service including colour correcting2 before arrival to us.

The panels under the headlights are starting to show their age, as is the one underneath the front bumper.

The reversing light in the rear bumper is sat at a jaunty angle. There is some corrosion evident on the lower section of the rear valance below it. Both rear wheel arches have some corrosion marks and the area under the fuel filler cap has an untidy paint repair and some rust bubbling.

The driver’s door glass surround near the door mirror is badly corroded and the door panel itself has some rust bubbles near the door mirror. There is also some bubbling underneath the nearside rear window.

The blue cloth interior has survived remarkably well and is in fine shape, with undamaged seat coverings, excellent carpets and superb looking wood. The headlining is also very clean and the only detraction is at the very rear of the car, where the blue moulding that incorporates the speaker grilles has sagged in the middle.

All the seats – and there are three rows of them, remember – are in great shape and even the load area at the very back is extremely clean and undamaged as far as we can see.

The righthand rear panel in the boot pulls down to reveal the original toolkit and jack, while on the nearside the opposite panel conceals the spare wheel.

The seller tells us that the window switches were non-functional nine months ago, and that all the switches were replaced and rewired. Since then they have worked perfectly but recently, the passenger window only very recently stopped working. The seller suggests this may be an easy wiring fix.

He also says the central locking sequence requires resetting, and that the heating system knob does not engage, although it does work.

The recommissioning works included a new exhaust, a replacement radiator, idle control valve, starter motor, a cylinder head overhaul, steering box, suspension arms, fuel pump system, alternator belt, fuel injectors and spark plugs.

Under the bonnet everything is present and correct. The interior condition of this car possibly suggests that mileage figure is correct, although we can’t corroborate this. But these Benz six pots are some of the most durable engines ever made, and certainly far more so than any others of this period.

The engine bay is a little scruffy here and there, but these are just cosmetic issues.

The car’s underside looks to be still coated in a thick layer of Mercedes underseal, and we didn’t spot any problems.

The 280 TE comes with a sizeable history file including various maintenance bills which detail the recent £23,000 expenditure, old MoT records, the current UK registration document and an MoT valid until April 2026.

Mercedes Homologation records indicate the vehicle was built in June 1985 so this car will attract no ULEZ charges and will be road tax exempt once the V5 has been updated. There is a certificate from Mercedes with the car. The seller says:

‘The car was originally registered in Holland and was imported in the 1980s by the original owner’s nephew. They kept the car for a number of years, annually MOT’d it and put it in storage in 2015. I purchased this vehicle from Brightwells in December 2021 at 99,000 miles.

‘I bought it as I wanted a practical and bulletproof estate as my daily driver. I had recently sold a modern estate which had a flurry of electrical issues. I wanted a simple mechanical car that was reliable. This vehicle has served me well in this respect.

‘I have taken it to mainland Europe and the Channel Islands where it’s proven its capability for longer comfortable trips with both passengers and luggage. I am selling this car now as I have another project estate which is my daily driver.

‘It is not a car you come across often. This car still gets many thumbs up, smiles and incites conversation. It looks comfortable and in place in either town or country. It recently completed a 400 mile round trip without issue or hesitation.

‘It's one of 19,288 280TEs built out of the 199,517 W123 series estate models. There are currently 57 left on UK roads. Given the model’s popularity there is no shortage of spare parts to keep this vehicle moving for another 150,000 miles. The current mileage is a fraction of its capability, with many W123’s logging 350k miles plus.’

If you’re looking for the ultimate practical classic you may well have just found it. The bodywork needs a little cosmetic work but this is a solid basis for an excellent 280 TE – which you could use everyday, should you so wish.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.