1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 S
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Highlights
- Beautifully preserved early W116 with astonishingly low mileage
- Bodywork and interior highly original and very well preserved
- Rare manual gearbox car with simple carburettor specification
- Rare opportunity for any Mercedes-Benz or classic saloon enthusiast
The Appeal
Already renowned for its high quality saloons, with the remarkable W116 of 1972 Mercedes-Benz executed a perfect homerun around its competitors. Safe, engineered to near perfection and handsomely styled, the first ever S-Class redefined expectations amongst car-buying executives and established a model range that has endured through five decades.
The tyre-smoking 6.3litre model grabbed the headlines but most well-lunched executives clearly preferred the more sedate pace of the lowlier models because those accounted for the bulk of sales.
This gorgeous carburettor-fed 280S was at the opposite end of the model spectrum from the 6.3, but shared the same focus on quality, engineering and safety. A very low mileage car that has remained with its one owner throughout its life, this museum-quality car is surely the proverbial needle in a haystack for any Mercedes-Benz collector or classic saloon enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
- Date of first registration in Italy 16 January 1973
- ASI certificate included in the history file
- We are told that the car has had one owner from new
- Chassis date confirms that this is an early W116 V28 280S
- Appears to have been retrospectively fitted with front electric windows
The Interior
- Remarkably preserved interior that demonstrates the honest, simple style of the lower specification W116 models
- Beige MB Tex trim for seats and door trims is very well kept with no visible marks
- Seats display some light scuffs and would likely respond to a professional valet to further improve the interior condition
- Mercedes Benz over mats
- Central armrest
- Dashboard and dials in very good condition indeed with no visible marks or scuffs
- Switchgear in similar condition with good decals and all complete
- Fitted with a Zendar electric aerial
- Radio appears to be period correct but not factory fitted
- Dashboard veneers in unmarked condition with clear, undamaged lacquer
- Headlining appears to be original and is unmarked
- Electric window system appears to be a later addition
- Door trims in excellent condition with option to revert back to manual front windows
- Seatbelts fitted front and rear
- Carpets in similar condition with no visible damage or marks
The Exterior
- Superb dark grey metallic paintwork in excellent condition with no visible corrosion
- There are some very minor marks around the car reflecting the paintwork’s originality
- The marks do not detract from the overall appearance
- Chrome body colour hub caps in very good condition with no visible kerbing
- Chromework is a similar story with good shine and no obvious tarnishing or pitting
- Glasswork complete and undamaged with clear lenses
- Straight panels throughout with consistent factory panel gaps
The Mechanics
- 2,746cc M110 straight six engine developing 155bhp
- Single Solex carburettor
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Unfortunately a the time of writing we did not have access to the service or maintenance records for this car
Summary
The original S-Class W116 Mercedes-Benz is one of the greatest saloon cars of the last 50 years. Handsome, very safe and engineered as only the chaps from Stuttgart knew how, it set new benchmarks for upmarket saloon cars that some competitors are still trying to emulate.
This superb early 280S is something close to a unicorn: a standard, exceptionally low mileage car with only one owner and in highly original condition. Appealing in its simplicity and lack of luxury go-getting, opportunities like this come along very, very rarely.
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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.*
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