This is a European market 1979 Mercedes Benz 280CE coupe that was imported privately into Idaho in the early 1980s. It is equipped with a rare 4-speed manual transmission and high-revving 2.8L twin-cam straight-6 engine with Bosch fuel injection, rated at 185 hp. It is fitted with factory air conditioning, power sunroof, power windows, alloy wheels, and hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension.

Older Mercedes coupes are a wonderfully stylish ride for the money, and the driving experience for a Euro-engined 280CE with manual transmission is vastly different from a US-market car. Not only do you get to stir the gears yourself, but the Euro car is about 250 pounds lighter, has 40 more horsepower, and a much tighter appearance with small chrome bumpers and flush rectangular headlights. As a bonus, the Euro car is equipped with manual heat and ventilation controls, instead of the troublesome (and expensive to repair) automatic climate controls installed in US-market cars.

I bought the car with plans to do a minor cosmetic restoration (with a possible color change), and then use it as a daily driver. I have since acquired a 1971 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 sedan and decided to concentrate on getting it back in shape instead, so have reluctantly decided to let this one go as-is.