Mercedes-Benz 280E

ENGINE 2746cc/6-cyl/OHC POWER 182bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 176lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 124mph 0-60MPH 9.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 60,695 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The M110 engine fires at the first turn of the ignition key and settles instantly to a quiet, settled idle with strong oil pressure. The clutch is surprisingly smooth and bites just below half pedal travel. Typically for a Mercedes, there is plenty of assistance from the steering and there is minimal noise from the forgiving suspension. Powerful brakes further help to offer a rewarding driving experience.

BODYWORK CHECK

A Mercedes specialist refreshed the Signal Red paint in 2006 and it remains difficult to fault today. If we’re being picky, there are a couple of swirl marks on the boot lid – probably from polishing – the nearside rear wing has a minute paint blemish in it and the nearside front chrome trim needs tightening at its forward fixing. This 280E also benefits from optional factory alloy wheels and a vinyl roof – both of which are in excellent order. The chrome is free from pitting and stone chips are noticeable only by their absence, either above or below the bumpers. The high standard of finish may encourage any new owner to consider replacing the rather tired front number plate, however.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The driver’s seat base is showing signs of wear, though – rather unusually – in the centre, rather than the outer edges. There are also a couple of small stains in the seat back and the passenger seat would benefit from a clean. The front carpets, too, would benefit from a shampoo to the areas where the overmats have failed to protect them so that they match the concealed area. The rear seating area looks as though it has never been used. All dials and switches operate correctly, and the period Motorola radio/cassette player blends in well. Fitted equipment is slightly illogical – it has central locking, but manual windows, and there’s no door mirror fitted on the passenger side.

UNDER THE BONNET

A meticulous new custodian will probably want to remove accumulated road dirt and dust, but the engine is free from oil and coolant leaks. The original owner – and then his daughter – kept up the car’s maintenance via main dealer and Mercedes specialists. There are ten voucher stamps, plus a host of receipts and invoices, with the final addition just over 1000 miles ago. The records also include the original delivery sheets with order specification and confirms that this Merc has averaged just 2000 miles a year over the past 18 years.

THE CCW VIEW

The W114’s styling is popular with classic enthusiasts but lowmileage, rust-free examples aren’t common. Rare options were chosen for this 280E, especially the manual gearbox, which complements the impressive engine. Most of our criticisms could be rectified with time and elbow grease. Grant Ford