The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE model was produced from 1965 to 1972 and were the perfect luxury car at the time showcasing many modern features we still see today.
The six-cylinder engine fitted with a fuel injection system was and real step forward in engineering which superseded the 250S and 280S that ran with carbureted engines.
This Mercedes-Benz 280SE is a dignified car without being oversized. It has compact saloon dimensions yet is very roomy inside.
A four-speed manual gearbox was standard along with efficient disk brakes at all four corners. With just under 90,000 examples produced during their short lifespan, these were especially important and popular cars for the Mercedes-Benz company.
The car comes with a small folder of receipts and all relevant paperwork relating to the import from South Africa.
The Restoration and rebuild was commissioned in South Africa under the supervision of the vendor consulting closely with the team virtually. Period correct materials were used as possible for the rebuild and refurbishment.
There were improvements such as using leather for the recovered interior instead of the original vinyl.
The South African V5 is with the car and the vendor tells us it will be a simple matter of the new owner obtaining age related plates in the geographical area of their choice.
A lot of time and thought has gone into refurbishing the interior of this 280SE.
The leather is soft, with both front and rear seats being surprisingly supportive and extremely comfortable.
The matching red carpets fit in place well and the original headliner is in excellent condition. A nice Bakelite steering wheel with padded insert complements the period look. The original instruments and switchgear are all in place and the woodwork is sound and aged well.
The door seals need a bit of attention as the rubbers have deteriorated and some sagging has occurred on the felt door surrounds.There are marks on the passenger inner door area of the blue paintwork where something must have caught it. It is only down to the undercoat though.
The boot area is clean but has areas of pitting that might require a bit of rubbing down and protecting. The original spare wheel and jack are in place.
The door cards are in excellent shape and goes towards making the interior of the car a lovely place to be.
We are told the car retains all original body panels and has uniform panel gaps. The doors, boot and bonnet shut perfectly.
The beautiful chrome bumpers are in good condition with little signs of wear. The taillights and headlights are clear and mark free. The chrome grille looks excellent and gives the W108 a chic presence.
The respray was done in South Africa and looks well. One area of the passenger sill looks like it has been patched near the jacking point underneath at the front.
The underside is exceptional and a testament to the restoration team who have appeared to have refurbished many mechanical parts and thoroughly undersealed them before assembly.
Steel coil springs easy to maintain compared to air suspension
Disc brakes
Engine rebuild
Smooth column gear change
The car was thoroughly recommissioned on instruction from the vendor and many new pipes and seals have been added along with the extensive rebuild. We are told the car runs very well and there are no issues with any components as they have all been thoroughly tested.
Under the rounded bonnet is a 2.8-litre straight-six, capable of 160hp in this mechanically fuel-injected version. This was the first Mercedes four-seater to have a fuel-injected engine.
The four-speed manual gearbox is smooth, and the steering is light. The electrics all work without issues we are told.
One tyre would need replacing to match the whitewalls.
The vendor tells us the car drives very well and run regularly to keep everything working as it should.
This 280SE with the standard W108 short wheelbase body makes a very sensible choice for anyone interested in running and maintaining their own classic car.
Parts are available and most jobs such as servicing can be carried out at home. There are a small number of cosmetic upgrades that will need doing at some point, but it can be enjoyed as is until that time comes.
These large, extremely well-built cars, commanded stage presence and can waft you to your destination in comfort and style.
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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE (W108)
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