1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Saloon
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Highlights
- Completely original unrestored early S-Class
- Genuine low mileage of under 52k
- Incredible green interior
- Truly charming car with genuine patina
- Awarded ‘People’s Choice’ at the 2023 Simply Mercedes show at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
The Appeal
Over the past six decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become synonymous with being one of the finest motor cars in the world.
Styled by visionary automotive designer Paul Bracq and introduced in 1965, the first iteration of the model was initially powered by a modest 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine, but the unit was upped to 2,778cc in 1968 to become the S280. But the biggest change to the range came in 1970, with the introduction of a V8 powertrain using the M116 engine created for the new R107 SL. The V8 SEs are the most sought after of the breed today.
And that’s what we have here – a remarkable survivor with two previous owners since 1992, the last of whom has had the car for two decades. Prior to that, it belonged to a friend of his. Used only for high days and holidays during his ownership, a change in personal circumstances means he now needs to pass this remarkably original car onto a new owner.
It’s in straight overall condition but is an unrestored car, so it wears a gentle patina befitting of a 51-year-old prestige car.
The History and Paperwork
- Original UK-supplied car
- Only two owners since 1992
- MOT, tax and ULEZ/Clean Air Zone exempt
- Original handbook
- Owned by the vendor for 20 years and maintained, serviced and repaired when necessary
- Minimal use in last 3-4 years but has recently been used for a 400-mile round trip to the Simply Mercedes day at Beaulieu, where it was awarded the “People’s Choice’ trophy
- Old MOT certificates
- Large pile of invoices from Derrick Wells, a well-respected Mercedes-Benz specialist in Stowmarket
- 51k mileage believed genuine
- Known history since early 1980s
The Condition
- Unusual Mercedes-Benz ‘606’ Yellow paint
- Unrestored with all original panels
- Repaired and repainted in localised areas over the years
- Some areas of the bodywork will require further attention in the future, with rust bubbles on two wheel arches and both sills, and on the boot lid
- One or two other marks, chips and small blisters around the bodywork, shown where possible in photos – a gentle patina for an unrestored 50+ year-old car, which still looks fabulous
- Very good chrome and trim – bumpers and grille are especially good
- Green leather upholstery with matching door cars
- Large black steering wheel with chrome horn ring
- Excellent carpets and headlining with gentle signs of wear
- Dashboard wood trim is in good order but with a couple of minor signs of age
- Small split in rear seat behind fold-down centre arm rest
- Modern Blaupunkt London stereo system
- Electric sunroof in fabulous working order
- Electric windows
- Tinted windows
- Heated rear screen
- Very clean and tidy luggage area with original tool kit
The absolute key to this car’s appeal is its originality – it’s as unspoilt as you’re likely to find, with all of its original panels and superb chrome trim.
It’s a straight and tidy car – quite remarkable for an unrestored one – but it does have a few cosmetic areas that the new owner may choose to improve, including some rust bubbles on both outer sills as well as one rear and one front wheelarch. There’s a record of welding work having been done historically in the car’s history file and it appears to be solid underneath, at least as far as we could see.
The car sports its original Mercedes-Benz wheel trims, with nearly new Uniroyal Rallye tyres all-round.
Inside it has a very gentle patina that adds to its overall character. The wonderful green leather seats are in great order other than some very slight marks, as are the carpets, while the dashboard is straight and tidy with just a few areas where the varnish has lifted slightly. One truly delightful feature is its electric sunroof, which still operates with trademark Germanic precision.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre compact fuel-injected V8
- Automatic transmission
- Reported to drive very well
- Proven on recent long journey
- Specialist maintained in recent years
- Starts keenly and settles to a steady idle with minimal exhaust smoke
- New brake pads and callipers, and front and rear brake hoses
- New front axle mounting
- New fuel hoses
- Fresh HT leads
- New partial exhaust
- Automatic choke
- Filled with Evans classic waterless coolant with corrosion inhibitor
According to the vendor, the 280 SE starts and drives exactly as it should and has recently been driven on a 400+ mile round trip to the National Motor Museum and back, performing without fault both there and back.
It starts, runs and shifts gear well and appears to have been well-maintained for all of its life – certainly within the vendor’s custodianship, where it has been looked after by a reputable specialist. The car saw very little use in 2020, 2021 and 2022 for health and lockdown reasons, but has been recommissioned and used this year.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Mercedes
- Model S280
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 51,022 Miles
- Engine size 3499
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Stansfield
- Location Suffolk
- Country United Kingdom
19
bids
- An•••• £12,000 29/03/24
- fi•••• £11,750 29/03/24
- An•••• £11,500 29/03/24
- fi•••• £11,000 29/03/24
- mu•••• £10,750 29/03/24
- Ro•••• £10,250 29/03/24
- mu•••• £10,000 29/03/24
- Ro•••• £9,800 29/03/24
- mu•••• £9,700 29/03/24
- An•••• £9,500 29/03/24
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