The Mercedes-Benz 123 series, or W123 for short, was produced between November 1975 and January 1986, with a total of 2.7 million vehicles manufactured. It is the predecessor to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and is classified as an upper mid-range car. Its predecessors are the 114 series (six-cylinder models) and the 115 series (four-cylinder and diesel models), also known as the ‘/8’. Development of the 123 series began in the early 1970s. The overall concept was to be strongly influenced by the S-Class, which had been launched in 1972. The final design was finalised in 1973, with emphasis placed on a continuous yet moderate evolution of the classic design language. Friedrich Geiger and Bruno Sacco were in charge of the project. Key priorities during development were passive safety, a high level of comfort and ease of servicing. Pre-production began in 1975. In January 1976, the W 123 was unveiled to the press in the south of France. Initially, the saloon was available, followed a year and a half later by the coupé and the T-model (estate). Delivery times for the new W 123 increased to as much as three years, which meant that, in some cases, buyers paid more than 5'000 DM above the list price for new cars in order to get their hands on the model sooner. Even year-old cars were often resold at a premium. The 123 series underwent many changes during its production run. It can essentially be divided into the First Series, which ran until the facelift in August 1979, the Second Series, which ran until August 1982, and the Third Series.This Mercedes 280 CE, from the Second Series, was delivered to Switzerland and first registered on 1 July 1981. Finished in the rare colour ‘Lapis Blue Metallic’ with a ‘Chamois’ velour interior, automatic gearbox, electric windows and an electric sunroof, this elegant coupé was certainly not a cheap purchase and must have brought its proud first owner a great deal of pleasure. Following a change of ownership in its early years, the 280 CE was acquired from the seller in March 2021 after many years of ownership and with around 155‘000 km on the clock. The seller enjoyed driving his Mercedes and, to ensure it could receive modern radio signals, had a Blaupunkt Bremen DAB radio in a classic design fitted. With 188‘400 km on the clock and a well-stamped service history book, the Mercedes is in good to very good condition. The engine and mechanics are in perfect working order; the bodywork is sound but shows one – age-related – blemish in the paintwork on the bonnet. The interior is also well-maintained and shows age-related signs of wear. The most recent veteran MOT was carried out in September 2021, meaning this lovely coupé can be registered immediately in most German-speaking cantons.