1968 Mercedes 250SE (W108)
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Current owner for 16 years
- 280SL Engine transplant
- Power steering
- Part of an extensive collection
- MOT exempt
The Appeal
Mercedes’ first S-Class luxury saloon has timelessly elegant styling and broad appeal.
‘Maud’ has been owned and maintained by the same enthusiast/engineer owner for the past 16 years. The car is in great, useable condition and would make a very stylish classic for someone willing to look after it in the manner to which it has become accustomed, continuing an ongoing programme of care and improvement.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1968
- Older restoration (1980s/90s)
- V5c present
- Regularly serviced, maintained and improved
- Spare wheel and jack
- 1 set of keys
- Owner’s manual
Forming part of a much larger collection of cars, over his 16 years of ownership, the car has been the subject of a slow but continuous programme of (mainly mechanical) improvement, which has included rebuilding the entire braking system with new discs and pads and rebuilt callipers, servo and master cylinder. The suspension has also been completely renovated with new rear axle compensator spring, kingpins, tie rods, drop links etc.
Only OEM parts used and the last jobs included overhauling the fuel system (including a rebuilt warm-running device and new fuel pump), together with rebuilding the alternator.
A lack of use and additional vehicles limiting space has reluctantly brought a very genuine and handsome example of this classic Mercedes saloon to auction.
The Interior
- Original MB-Tex interior
- Very good condition
- Very spacious and comfortable
Finished in its original MB-Tex trim on the seats and door cards, the spacious interior presents itself particularly well and is in pretty amazing condition for a 50-year-old car. For those with an eye to detail, gentle refinishing of some elements of the interior woodwork would really finish things off nicely.
The headlining shows no signs of damage or sagging though has some light staining to the rear. The replacement carpets are in excellent condition and the interior chrome showing just the right amount of age-related patina.
The Exterior
- Finished in Dark Blue (DB332)
- Great road presence and shut lines
- Excellent chrome
This dark blue Mercedes saloon is in wonderful overall condition for its age with no dings or dents. It has been subject to restoration work in prior ownership, including new sills, inner wing and rear wheel well repairs – and a full respray.
No further welding or remedial work is required, which is a testament to the quality of the work completed over a quarter of a century ago. After so many years, there is inevitably the odd imperfection and chip to the paintwork here and there, including a little fading on the roof and boot, but the pictures show that ‘Maud’ is still looking very sharp and stylish in the original colour.
No further welding or remedial work is required, which is a testament to the quality of the work completed over a quarter of a century ago. After so many years, there is inevitably the odd imperfection and chip to the paintwork here and there, including a little fading on the roof and boot, but the pictures show that ‘Maud’ is still looking very sharp and stylish in the original colour.
The wheels, (matching) tyres and exterior chrome are all in great condition and a testament to 1960s Mercedes engineering prowess.
After 55 years of service, the door seals are showing their age a little and a there is a small depression and (sealed) hole in the rear centre of the bonnet where a previous owner had fitted a mascot / badge, however none of this detracts from the overall presentation of the vehicle
After 55 years of service, the door seals are showing their age a little and a there is a small depression and (sealed) hole in the rear centre of the bonnet where a previous owner had fitted a mascot / badge, however none of this detracts from the overall presentation of the vehicle
The Mechanics
- 280SL engine transplant
- 4 speed automatic gearbox
- Recently serviced
- Rebuilt alternator and new regulator
- Timing chain done around 6,000 miles ago
Prior to his long-term ownership the car has had the more powerful and more reliable engine from the 280SL fitted which starts well every time, and runs without smoke, and quietly, yet purposefully, as these engines should when properly maintained. Oil, fluid changes and other service items have been replaced per schedule.
Mechanically the car has been thoroughly overhauled and continually fettled throughout the last 16 years with new brakes, suspension and many other OEM parts as previously mentioned.
One look under the bonnet shows a very clean and cared for engine bay, with underneath the car being in a similarly good and clean condition.
There are opportunities for further improvement that the current owner highlights, including a non-working dashboard clock and a fuel gauge which under-reads by about 25%. There is a slight drivetrain vibration between 50 and 55 mph, which the owner believes will be simply cured, if required, by having the propshaft re-balanced. The car has ample power and so the kick-down solenoid has never been wired up to the accelerator switch, but this is a simple task and you can manually downshift using the unusual column-shifter if needed.
The car is reported to be an absolute joy to drive, with a great ‘armchair’ ride, ample power, positive gear changes and effective stopping power from all-round disc brakes.
Mechanically the car has been thoroughly overhauled and continually fettled throughout the last 16 years with new brakes, suspension and many other OEM parts as previously mentioned.
One look under the bonnet shows a very clean and cared for engine bay, with underneath the car being in a similarly good and clean condition.
There are opportunities for further improvement that the current owner highlights, including a non-working dashboard clock and a fuel gauge which under-reads by about 25%. There is a slight drivetrain vibration between 50 and 55 mph, which the owner believes will be simply cured, if required, by having the propshaft re-balanced. The car has ample power and so the kick-down solenoid has never been wired up to the accelerator switch, but this is a simple task and you can manually downshift using the unusual column-shifter if needed.
The car is reported to be an absolute joy to drive, with a great ‘armchair’ ride, ample power, positive gear changes and effective stopping power from all-round disc brakes.
The Summary
A beautiful car in a beautiful colour and in beautiful condition, that would make a very stylish and comfortable choice for someone looking for that iconic classic to use and enjoy while continuing to enjoy the opportunity for further detailing and minor improvements.
The other good news is that it’s ULEZ, MOT and Road Tax exempt.
The other good news is that it’s ULEZ, MOT and Road Tax exempt.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Mercedes
- Model 250SE (W108)
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 116,932 Miles
- Engine size 2496
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
13
bids
from 8
bidders
- nu•••• £12,000 17/06/22
- Ra•••• £11,750 17/06/22
- Ra•••• £11,500 17/06/22
- Fa•••• £11,150 17/06/22
- gr•••• £10,250 16/06/22
- Ra•••• £10,000 15/06/22
- Ra•••• £8,500 15/06/22
- sa•••• £8,000 15/06/22
- RC•••• £7,600 15/06/22
- nu•••• £7,500 15/06/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.