Lot details

Year: 1978
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 230 CE
Registration: KBV 210S
Chassis No: 12304322002470
Engine No: 11595422026764
Odometer: 107,800

The W123 series Mercedes-Benz remains the absolute high-water mark for the brand's legendary over-engineering and unyielding build quality. While the saloons were utilitarian workhorses, the two-door C123 Coupes brought a sharp injection of mid-size luxury and jet-set glamour to the range. Strikingly designed with a shorter wheelbase than its four-door sibling, the coupe features a magnificent pillarless hardtop profile, allowing for an entirely open side view when all windows are wound down.The 1978 Mercedes-Benz 230 C is powered by the dependable 2.3 litre M115 inline-four engine, breathing through a Stromberg carburettor to deliver a balanced blend of period performance and renowned reliability. Mated to a smooth four-speed automatic gearbox, this cruiser is optimised for relaxed, stylish classic motoring. The cabin layout is quintessential vintage Mercedes-Benz, highly functional, immensely comfortable and built to withstand the test of time using top-tier materials.

This well presented 1978 Mercedes-Benz 230 CE (W123) represents an exceptional opportunity for any serious collector or classic enthusiast. With pristine examples of the C123 coupe becoming increasingly difficult to source, this iconic, pillarless cruiser offers the perfect balance of visual elegance and everyday reliability, making it a truly usable daily classic.

This elegant UK-registered model has covered 107,800 miles from new under the care of 12 owners, its outstanding condition serving as a testament to a lifetime of dedicated maintenance. The vehicle is accompanied by an excellent service portfolio that charts its mechanical upkeep across five decades. Its early life is documented through official garage stamps, beginning with its first service at 5,863 miles at Westwood Garage Ltd in September 1978, followed by regular routine maintenance at Kelbrook Service Station Ltd and Gotts Garage Ltd, taking the recorded history up to 61,700 miles in July 1994.

Following this period, the car's story is charmingly preserved in a handwritten diary kept by a long-term previous owner. Spanning from 1994 to 2015, this diary details 11 further service entries alongside a countless number of car shows attended, highlighting the pride and care involved in keeping the Mercedes in such remarkable condition. The modern history is supported by comprehensive service invoices, including specialist care at Malton Coachworks Ltd in 2015 and 2016, a visit to Roses Garage in 2019, and a most recent service undertaken by Oak Motors Ltd in December 2025 at 107,479 miles. Highly usable, thoroughly documented, and increasingly rare, this classic coupe is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. Consigned by James Good