The attractive coupés in the model series C123 enriched the model portfolio of Mercedes-Benz in 1977. They were premiered a good year after the W123 saloons and aimed at automotive enthusiasts who value optical individuality and visible verve in their vehicle.
Despite a close visual kinship to the saloons, the coupés are autonomous creations. Their body is 4 centimetres lower and 8.5 centimetres shorter. Then there is the modified silhouette with the more steeply raked front and rear window, plus the fully retractable side windows which are not separated by a centre post.
For the observer, the result is a long and more dynamic-looking profile, while for the occupants, this means outstanding visibility not hindered by centre posts.
Some body details corresponded to the superior design on the 280 and 280E saloons – all three coupé models had rectangular broad-band headlamps, chromed air inlet grilles in front of the windscreen, and chrome trim beneath the rear lamps. As of the facelift in September 1982, the air inlet grilles were in black.
An important technical improvement compared with the direct predecessors of the “Stroke Eight” model series (W114) was the even more stable safety passenger cell with a stiffer roof frame structure, high-strength roof pillar and reinforced doors. The energy absorption of the front and rear crumple zone was significantly increased through the controlled deformation capability of the front end and rear area.
A further safety innovation came in August 1980, when an anti-lock braking system (ABS) was available on request for all models in model series 123 (ABS was introduced as a world-first feature by Mercedes-Benz in the 116 model series S-Class). From January 1982, a further optional extra followed in the form of the driver’s airbag for the model series 123.
The engines in the 230C (2.3-litre displacement, 4 cylinders, 109bhp), 280C and 280CE (2.8-litre displacement and 6 cylinders, 156bhp and 177bhp) exactly correspond to the power units used in the respective saloons.
Quite apart from the technical details, a Mercedes-Benz coupé impressed above all with its high aesthetic appeal and elegance. According to an official brochure in 1983 for the 230CE and 280CE, “The body shape of the Mercedes coupé displays timeless sporty elegance… No frills, no short-term fashions… Its flowing line catches the eye and yet is integrated into the car’s overall look with the utmost harmony and effortlessness.”
The production of the C123 coupés ended in August 1985 after a good eight years and a total of 99,884 units. The rarest variant was the 280C with 3704 vehicles produced. 
Read our review of the 2-litre C-Class Coupe.
