This Mercedes-Benz 280 TE is a highly original example of the handsome and well-engineered classic estate car. Its engine is the 136kW / 182bhp 2.8-litre straight-six, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The car was specified from the factory with the optional rear-facing third row of seats, and also comes with a full OEM roof rack that attaches to the rails. Finished in the elegant Light Ivory colour, this is complemented by full Palomino MB-Tex upholstery, along with a black dashboard top and centre console. It rides on 14-inch ‘Bundt’ alloy wheels, wrapped in Hankook Optimo tyres. The specification includes electric front and rear windows, air conditioning that has been converted to R134a refrigerant, cargo barrier with double roller tonneau cover, front armrest, and a Becker Grand Prix stereo. It was ordered from the factory with the desirable ‘third row’ of seats - a folding bench that faces rearwards, and can be folded down to stow in the boot floor when not in use. There are OEM luggage holders on roof rails, and a full roof rack is also included in the sale. Accompanying the car are around 50 OEM and reproduction service items, plus a custom-fitted car cover. The owner’s workshop manual, stamped Mercedes service book, Becker radio manual, and other literature is present, plus receipts spanning the previous ownership, and some invoices and handwritten documents covering the present owner’s time with the car. There is no known prior accident damage. The rear right side floor has been repaired in the past with photo documentation, a poor prior repair below the spare wheel on the left side, and a small rust area around the window trim on the tailgate. A few soft dents are also present. Its original paintwork is in good condition considering its age, with some minor paint chips as shown in the gallery, and cracked paint about the passenger side headlight. There is a stone chip on the windscreen and passenger headlight cover. In the cabin, the MB-Tex upholstery is in great shape for its age, with no major wear or damage. The upper front door trims are distorted, which is a common issue on the W123, and there is slight sagging to the OEM headliner. The carpets are also showing typical wear. The radio aerial connection needs attention, and the seller also notes a minor engine oil leak, and recommends front wheel alignment. The last scheduled maintenance was in January 2021 at 218,600 km, with an engine oil and filter change by the owner. The SLS adjuster was replaced and reset. In March 2021 at 219,091 km, the rear brake discs and pads were replaced. Prior to this, it had a differential oil change in November 2019 at 215,500 km, and an oil service in August 2019, plus the power steering oil and filter, and transmission oil and filter. The front engine main seals and collar were renewed with OEM parts, plus the radiator hoses. The air conditioning compressor was replaced and re-gassed in December 2018. Its vacuum operated central locking system was repaired to OEM specification, and the gear change linkage has been replaced. The engine valve clearances were checked and adjusted, a new rocker cover was installed, and all six fuel injectors have been renewed. This Mercedes-Benz 280 TE is a well-preserved example of the W123 generation model, with the range-topping engine and a smart factory specification. While the next owner could choose to make some minor cosmetic improvements to the body and paint, this is a solid car that is ready to drive and enjoy. Benefiting from renowned reliability and quality, this W123 280 TE is a stylish and usable classic estate. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.