1979 Mercedes 280CE Convertible - Rare Coach Built Survivor W123 300CD 300D

Up for auction is my 1979 280CE (W123) convertible.   This car is rare. looks great and turns heads!

Born as a coupe. this car was professionally transformed into a convertible in the 1980s by Niko-Michaels (New York).     A 2010 Hemmings Daily (reviewing a similar convertible conversion of a Rolls Royce) is quoted as saying "Niko is regarded as one of the finest and most talented "old-world" craftsman whose hand craftsmanship is legendary and unsurpassed" (http://blog. hemmings. com/index. php/tag/niko-michael-coachworks/).   

Although the car was mechanically great and it had no body damage. it was taken through a restoration (including the following):
Bare Metal Repaint in Cypress Green (correct 1979 Mercedes W123 paint code 876). because the paint was looking tired
Not body-off restoration
No accident damage or body repairs were uncovered during repaint
Engine taken out of car during repaint with following replaced proactively:front crank sealrear main sealdrain line from head to oil pantransmission front sealsteering idler arm bushingsnew Mercedes OEM motor mountsNew convertible top
New carpet throughout

Apart from the obvious (and the radio upgrade). the car remains very original.

The car starts. runs and drives. shifts smoothy and stops on solid brakes.      I have just had it professionally tuned before listing.    Current odometer shows just over 124. 00 miles and it may have a few more as I continue to enjoy the summer in Atlanta. but it won't be over 124. 00 at time of sale.

Car has a full size spare and original tool kit and jack in the trunk. clear signs of a car that has been well cared for over its life.

Interior:   No cracks in the dash - it looks like new.    All four windows go up and down.   The two rear windows are slow. but make the trip.     I would say the wood trim is an 7/10 with the console showing need of refinishing/replacement (you can buy a refurbished one for $180 ish).    Driver's side seat belt receiver is currently on order and will be installed before delivery.

The original radio was replaced with a Blaupunkt radio/cassette deck some time ago.    Speakers were likely also upgraded as the sound is very good for a car of this age.    Unfortunately. the antenna was broken at some point before I acquired the car and it doesn't work - but doesn't seem to affect the radio reception - so it hasn't been priority for me and doesn't affect the look of the car at all.

The custom manual convertible top retracts into a custom well and is protected by a custom canvas tonneau cover.

Engine bay is clean and freshly painted from the restoration with no surprises.

I put up lots of pictures including solid original trunk floor. spare wheel well and tool kit in original Mercedes tool wrap.

This is a 35 year old.   I'm not presenting it to you as a Pebble Beach show car or perfect.   This is a well sorted. great looking and driving convertible and the pictures don't lie.    The rubber and chrome trim is in good shape but isn't perfect with a few small dings and scratches on various surfaces.      I urge all bidders to come and inspect the car for yourself before bidding.

I'm selling it because I have a car that needs the garage space. and I never leave this one outside.     I've spent more on this project than I'll get out of it - but that isn't why I did this restoration.   I've always wanted a W123. and while this one is not stock. I love how it looks and believe I'm not alone.

It is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction early.    For sale as is/where is with clear GA title.    I'm happy to work with the buyer on arranging transportation.

This is a rare opportunity - don't miss it.

Also published at eBay.com

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