Impeccably engineered, effortlessly classy, simply beautiful. The W108 era Mercedes Benz saloons of the late 1960s and early 1970s instantly became the benchmark for luxury cruisers and saloon cars upon their first introduction into the automotive world, and for good reason.
Combining legendary robustness, with unadulterated luxury and comfort, the W108 arguably shaped Mercedes’ luxury vehicle design and still continues to set standards to this day.
BLP 368H is a truly remarkable example of the model. An early 1970 280se that has been incredibly well preserved throughout its 52 years on the road, this mighty Mercedes presents in highly original, usable condition and really wants for very little if anything. With demand for quality classic Mercedes soaring to untold heights, good examples such as this are becoming something of a rarity. A genuine factory air conditioning model, this must surely be one of the most exciting and undeniably rarest examples on the market today.
Lavishly appointed, expertly crafted, effortlessly stylish, the cabin of the 280se certainly scores high points on the interior front. Presenting wonderfully, the interior of the car, much like the exterior, has worn its miles well and borne the test of time excellently. Boasting brilliant clean cream seating, suave wood trim and neat chrome embellishments.
The sumptuous leather seating really is of a marvellous standard, unlike many cream seats of this age, these haven’t fallen victim to discoloration and damage and instead exhibit with just the minor patina one associates with an honest well cared for car. The upholstery is of a great quality on both the seats and the four excellent door panels, all well appointed with excellent chrome and leather door furniture.
In the front of the cabin, nestled in between the two main seats we are presented with an additional removable centre seat cushion. Certainly something of an oddity, this extra seat can be removed to reveal an additional storage tray and two pull down arm rests.
The absolute feature piece within the cabin must undoubtedly be the Mercedes steering wheel protruding from the dashboard. A piece of artwork in itself, the thin black rimmed is perfectly detailed with its chrome horn ring and really does look the part stowed within the W108.
Elegantly furnished with a smart wood panel, the aforementioned dashboard is of a brilliant standard and presents as such. With the quality dashboard taking precedence above and below the wood, and a beautiful collection of timeless gauges and switchgear nestled across the panel. With this being a rarer air conditioning model, we find a more unique lower dash section with additional vents, alongside an extra blower system in the passenger footwell. It should be noted to interested parties that at present, the air conditioning isn’t functioning.
For those with safety in mind, a welcome surprise can be found in the rear of the cabin. Not a standard option on this car when it left the factory, the current owner has commissioned a company to fit a bespoke set of seat belts at the front and rear to match, which were fitted so they could take their children out in the car with more peace of mind. These have been fitted excellently and when not in use can be tucked away to provide a more clean and original look in the rear.
The word honest comes to mind first when looking at the exterior of this W108. BLP 368H stands strong against mint condition concours examples and instead presents in the arguably more favourable original, well preserved category of cars. Exhibiting in great clean condition with a wonderful light patina this is a truly special survivor car.
The Mercedes looks outstanding in its current guise, draped in a rather fitting pale blue paint scheme, a perfect compliment to the cream interior upholstery. The paint itself has been preserved well and now sits with a well earned patina that simply can't be replicated.
That unmistakable Mercedes front end is one of excellent quality. Adorned with marvellous sloping headlights, a beautiful front grille piece and lashings of chrome trim, all of which is of a great standard and presents as such. The same of course can be said for the assortment of chrome detailing and embellishments found around the rest of the car.
At ground level we are presented with four lovely, factory Mercedes wheels, with colour matched blue centres and decorative chrome trim. All four wheels present excellently, with a fifth wheel being stowed away within the cavernous rear boot.
1968 saw the introduction of an all new engine for Mercedes and in turn the W108. Often referred to as the “ultimate” Mercedes engine of the era, the all new M130 unit took over the 2.5 litre M129 and boosted greater performance without compromising on the famed Mercedes reliability buyers had come to expect.
The engine found in this particular example is a true gem, maintained by both Mercedes main dealers and independent specialists, it presents well, in good clean original form. As a result of this maintenance, the Mercedes fires into life in an instant, and in no time has settled into a comfortable idle.
On the road the 280 is reported to provide the lavish, refined ride that made these cars so popular back in the 60s and 70s. A true testament to the car’s quality, the current owner speaks of a recent trip the Mercedes made down through France to attend the Le Mans classic 2022 before returning back to England with no fault at all.
What must undoubtedly be one of the best preserved, most original W108s on the market today, BLP 368H ticks all the important boxes the discerning Mercedes enthusiast could possibly want.
The W108 is a truly timeless car and one that will look forever elegant and classy. Backed up with a solid mechanical driveline, the 280se is ready to take its next loving owner wherever they fancy, and do it in pure lavish style.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE (W108)
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