With just under two million units produced, the Mercedes-Benz 280 ‘Strich-Acht’ achieved almost the same production figures as all previous post-war Mercedes-Benz passenger cars combined. The W114 – typical of the six-cylinder models – was built from 1967 to 1976 and was succeeded by the W123. As the forerunner of the later E-Class, the W114/W115 series is still regarded today as extremely robust and durable. Particularly legendary is a Mercedes-Benz 240 D which, between 1976 and 2004, covered around 4.6 million kilometers with three replacement engines and is now on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Whilst the engines were predominantly further developments of existing designs, the body and chassis were largely redesigned. Instead of drum brakes and a swing axle, the /8 now features four disc-brakes and a modern multi-link rear suspension. Double wishbones with ball joints were used at the front. For an additional charge, the /8 was also available with hydropneumatic level control on the rear axle – an option that the 280 CE offered here does not have, thereby sparing the owner potentially costly maintenance work. Up to 43 optional extras were available for the 280 CE. In addition to the special ‘Icon Gold Metallic’ paint finish, our vehicle features velour upholstery and a high-quality radio, amongst other things. In 1973, the model range underwent a comprehensive facelift; the vehicle on offer here is therefore a second-series model. The top-spec engines with the M110 straight-six are particularly sought-after today. The 280 CE has a displacement of 2’746 cc and 185 hp. Its top speed was just under 200 km/h, and it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. Between 1973 and 1976, only 3’942 examples of the second-series 280 CE were produced. The /8 on offer here, designed by Paul Bracq, was first registered on 1 September 1975 and handed over to its proud first owner by Garage Huber AG in Hombrechtikon on 11 September. The then-considerable sum of CHF 41’880 was charged for the Benz in the special colour ‘Ikonengold metallic’, with optional velour upholstery and a 4-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the new owner treated himself to a state-of-the-art Tacaro radio-cassette player for a further CHF 850 (!), which is still fitted today. The 280 CE was the pride and joy of its owner and was driven with great pleasure; the meticulously maintained service logbook provides impressive evidence of the care it received. In 1991, at around 150’000 km, the front wings were replaced, and several areas of rust were repaired. The vehicle was then repainted in its original color. In 1996, with around 174’000 kilometers on the clock, the Mercedes was taken over by the son of the first owner and – as the existing records and a meticulously kept mileage log show – continued to be lovingly maintained. Not only was the coupé always kept safe in a covered garage, but potential weak points were also addressed, in some cases as a preventive measure. In 2010, the air conditioning was replaced, and in 2015 the front axle was overhauled. This was followed in 2017 by a complete clutch overhaul and a new mid-silencer. In 2022, the driver’s seat was partially repaired, and in 2023 the front axle underwent a brake system overhaul, during which the brake calipers were serviced and fitted with new pads, and the brake discs were replaced. With just one family owner and now 275’400 km on the clock, the 280 CE is in a beautiful and very well-maintained condition, with signs of wear in the interior typical for its age. This beautiful coupé will be handed over to a new owner with its most recent veteran MOT completed in April 2023.