CALIFORNIACLASSIX 1984 Mercedes-Benz 280E -- 53,308 Original Miles!

Mercedes-Benz is the oldest, still active car manufacturer on the planet. The W123 model -- built from 1975 to 1985 -- carries the distinction of being sold in larger numbers than any other M-B model, and has attained a well-deserved reputation of being indestructible.

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This particular W123 is not only the most powerful, most desirable, but also one of the finest examples you'd ever discover in the U.S.A. Imported from Germany when new, it featuring the high output Euro-spec engine, Euro-spec bumpers and Euro-spec H4 headlight units with integrated wipers.

Manufactured in March of 1984, this Mercedes comes with a clear California title, a clean history report and is currently registered in the Golden State as well.

Considering the fact that it is a European spec car, this 280E is generously equipped. Amenities include, but are not limited to:

• Ice cold air conditioning (automatic climate control)
• Electric steel sunroof
• Power window lifts front and rear
• Factory "Colorglas" tinted windows
• Heated rear window
• Headlight wipers and washers
• Quartz clock
• "Tempomat" Cruise control
• MB fabric "Stoff" upholstery
• BECKER Grand Prix Electronic Stereo Cassette radio with fader and multiple speakers
• Arm rests front and rear
• Automatic transmission
• Variable assist power steering
• Four-wheel power disc brakes
• Central locking system (including trunk and gas filler lid)
• Fog lights
• BUNDT light alloy wheels

Official importer's label confirming that the car has undergone D.O.T. and E.P.A. conversions.

This fabulous 280E comes with its original clear plastic pouch containing not one, but two owner's manuals, one in German and one in English, the BECKER radio manual and service booklet and the Mercedes service stations register.

Prior owner painstakingly recorded every service. The car was stored for many years at the wealthy man's vacation home in the mountains and used only sparingly, adding less than 1,600 miles to the odometer annually, on average.

Engine bay presents spotlessly clean.

The 185 horsepower 280E power plant is special, indeed. An inline 6-cylinder (engine code M110), it is equipped with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). The BOSCH K-Jetronic fuel injection, first tried and tested in the big 6.9-liter sedan, completes the picture and makes the M110 engine the most powerful engine ever factory-installed in the W123 lineup.

We measured the engine's compression, using our German-made MOTO-METER. Measurements are #1=162, #2=172, #3=172, #4=161, #5=169, #6 =170.
Leakdown test shows between 4% and 5% on all cyclinders.

No fluid leaks to note. This low-mileage Daimler remains sanitary, top to bottom.

Mercedes' W123 line of cars displays a restrained but elegant look -- designed by the team of Friedrich Geiger and Bruno Sacco -- which is now considered iconic. This car's coachwork has withstood the test of time admirably and remains straight and free of corrosion.
All the brightwork on the car, chrome as well as anodized stainless steel, looks to be outstandingly well preserved.

The car's Astralsilbermetallic (factory code 735G) paint finish is in excellent condition and displays a high luster. There are no scrapes, bubbles or chips that would cause even the fussiest collector sleepless nights. Note the beautifully kept BUNDT light alloy wheels.

A very desirable option on any W123 is the power sliding sunroof. Here, it works perfectly. Headliner and sun visors look perfect as well.

The vulnerable dash top is thankfully free of any splits or hairline cracks. 280E's interior is in a beautiful state of preservation. Hand-stitched steering wheel leather cover and genuine Zebrano wood shift knob are owner-installed upgrades.

Mercedes' classic 1980s array of clearly legible instruments. Yes, they all work as they should.

The center console with its beautiful real Zebrano wood inserts houses the panel for the automatic climate control, the BECKER Stereo Cassette radio, as well as a large, unused ash receiver with unused cigarette lighter. Also visible are the rocker switches for the electric sunroof and hazard flasher and thumb wheel for the radio speaker control.

Comfy, special MB-cloth covered front bucket seats look virtually unmarked.

Classic MB design fabric in excellent, unworn condition.

Rear compartment offers plenty of room for three adults.

Rear view - it's what most other folks travelling on the Autobahn would glimpse of the 280E which boasted of an advertised top speed of exactly 200km/h (124mph).
Check out the car's beautiful, original 1984-issue California blue-and-gold license plates.

Cavernous luggage compartment.
Note factory 'Warndreieck' (hazard triangle) mounted inside of trunk lid.

A separate storage compartment below the trunk floor holds the factory spare. Apparently unused, the CONTINENTAL tire is in 'as new' condition; the same can be said about the Mercedes tire jack.

Inspecting the 280E's undercarriage does not lead to any unpleasant surprises regarding corrosion. All virgin metal, the car is as healthy as the day it rolled off the assembly line. Mercedes' factory rust prevention was considered exemplary in its day, with zinc-phosphate coatings before the final paint process, and vinyl-based undercoating.

Beautiful, 100% rust free floor pans.

Another sunny day in our little San Buenaventura paradise! The 280E begs to be driven, and we happily obliged.

The car starts, idles, runs, shifts, drives, handles and stops with aplomb, just like the low-mileage example it is.

185 Teutonic horses, 35 more than the U.S. version, make the 280E get from A to B fast - real fast. In today's often hectic traffic condtions, the Mercedes -- with all its modern accoutrements like cruise control and A/C -- is very fun and relaxing to pilot.

Returning home, we are amazed at the superior abilities of the 280E. There's just one question left to ask: why, oh why, did Daimler-Benz end production of the W123 in 1985? This model is considered by many to be the perfect automobile, and we heartily agree.

A Euro-spec 280E is a very desirable and hard-to-find W123 model. Here's one, loaded with options, featuring very low miles and a strikingly attractive, iconic color combo. It's a 35-year-old, collectible Mercedes that you'll love to exercise daily!

Link to videos on YouTube:

Driving the 280E!

You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid.

Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time.

Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551. TERMS OF SALE

• By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below.
• If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final.
• Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available!
  We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction.
• The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only.
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