Description

1985 Mercedes-Benz 230CE Auto

Just two family owners from nearly new & 46,000 miles; nice & original with a fresh MOT; service history

Mercedes launched its W123 range to huge acclaim in 1976. Fabulously well built and with gracefully understated styling, the car was such an instant success that a booming black market sprang up to serve those who wanted to leap-frog the 12-month waiting list.

Most handsome of all were the 230CE and 280CE coupes, based on a shortened W123 saloon platform and with elegant pillarless side windows. The 230CE model was fitted with the fuel-injected 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine which produced around 134bhp and 148lb/ft of torque, sufficient to propel the car to a top speed of 118mph. It sold steadily until it was finally replaced by the W124 range in 1985.

This June 1985 230CE automatic was given its PDI by the supplying dealer Neyland Motors of Swansea. It was ordered in Pajett red metallic and specified with a floor-mounted change, electric passenger mirror, four electric windows, heat insulated glass, Michelin tyres, luggage nets on the back of the front seats and an electric sunroof.

We understand it was Neyland's demonstrator for the first 11 months of its life - being principally used by the gaffer's wife during this period before acquisition by the vendor's late father as a retirement present. It subsequently got used on high days and holidays which helps explain its low mileage.

The accompanying bookpack includes a handbook and service book, which shows eight service/maintenance visits and the PDI. This confirms the indicated mileage is correct, its most recent stamped service taking place at 45,593 miles in 2009. Two old MOTs on file show this had increased to 46,058 miles in 2011 and 46,203 by 2014. The odometer now shows just 46,212 miles from new.

The car has obviously been sitting around for long periods, so when it was recently released from captivity, it was presented for an MOT and light recommissioning. This included a new fuel pump and a drain of the fuel system and new filter. It passed its MOT with no advisories although it was noted that the starter is a bit intermittent and the cold start system is not functioning as it should (common on these old Mercedes').

That said, it still looks and feels like a 46,000 mile example with a particularly smart interior with a clean headlining and little if any wear apparent on the seats and bolsters. The paintwork retains a deep lustre showing just a few stone chips and swirl marks here and there - not perfect but very nice. Similarly the chrome is in very good order as is the underside and sills which are similarly solid, with no signs of serious corrosion aided no doubt by being dry stored for most of its life. The boot area looks little used and comes with its original tool kit.

It is unusual to find such a low mileage, rust free example of these elegant Coupes, so grab this one while you can.

Documents: MOT Nov 22, 2 old MOT's, 5 old Service Stamps, Hand Book, 1 Invoice.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com