Coupe

Just arrived at GCCG: a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 CE, the pillarless two-door coupé from the W114 “Stroke Eight” family, finished in light blue with an automatic gearbox and power steering.

The 280 CE was launched in 1972 as the flagship of the mid-size Mercedes coupé range. Under the bonnet is the then-new 2.8-litre twin-cam straight-six with fuel injection, producing 185 hp – the same engine family used in the S-Class of the day. It’s a smooth, torquey engine that pairs perfectly with the automatic gearbox, and the power steering makes it an easy classic to drive in town.

What makes the coupé so special is its hardtop design: there’s no B-pillar, so with all four side windows wound down you get one long, uninterrupted opening from the windscreen to the rear screen. Coupés were built in far smaller numbers than the saloons, and the fuel-injected 280 CE is the one enthusiasts look for.

This is an early car, with the original tall grille and chrome bumpers of the pre-1973-facelift models, and it sits on steel wheels with Mercedes hub caps.

At over 40 years old, it’s eligible for the historic vehicle tax class, which means no road tax, no MOT requirement and no London ULEZ charge.

As with every car at GCCG, it’s been hand-picked for its condition, history and character. Viewings welcome by appointment at our Fortis Green showroom – call 0208 129 4440 or WhatsApp us.