1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W108)
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Highlights
- 2778cc powerplant with automatic transmission
- Highly original throughout in time-warp condition
- Excellent history file
- Only three previous owners from new
The Appeal
The Mercedes-Benz S Class may be one of the most prized names in automotive history. These luxury saloons signified all manner of glamour and class, with luxurious interiors that rubbed shoulders with the likes of Rolls-Royce, and build quality that was practically unchallenged.
Introduced in 1965, the W108 is technically a predecessor - but the DNA is all present and correct, with a crisp, deceptively sophisticated design by the legendary Paul Bracq, a well-appointed cabin and that ever-iconic grille all becoming an essential component for the company’s next twenty years.
This example, part of the 2nd series, was built in 1972, and still looks remarkably fresh and well-appointed, with the much-respected 2.8L M130 powerplant stowed inside its nose, ready and waiting to hit the road.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1972
- The DVLA records only three former keepers
- Current ownership began in October 2022
- The car currently indicates 93,687 miles
- The paperwork and MOT history make us quite confident this is an authentic mileage
- The car has never underwent restoration and instead been well-kept throughout its life
- MOT exempt, and last tested in October 2021
- This was less than 1,000 miles ago
- Paperwork file includes:
- Original Mercedes-Benz booklets, handbooks and manuals
- The car’s original build card
- Stamped service record book
- Original fuel ration book
- Booklet for the aftermarket rear seatbelts
- Blaupunkt radio manual
- A selection of MOT certificates, invoices and more
The Interior
- Highly impressive interior harking back to pure 70s luxury
- Beautifully appointed with Zebrano trims
- The car’s MB-Tex upholstery is in excellent order
- No rips or tears we can spot
- The dashboard is highly original with good clean trims
- No signs of sun damage, cracks or fractures
- The instruments are all clean and easy to read
- Array is completed by an optional ivory steering wheel
- A period Blaupunkt push-button radio is installed
- Aftermarket Britax seatbeats are in good order
- The carpets are in good order with no faults we can discern
- The headlining is clean and tidy
- Boot is dry, tidy and solid with spare wheel, jack and tool roll
Remarkably kept, this period interior is ready and waiting to impress its new owner. It’s supremely comfortable, clean and luxurious, with a wonderful warm tone to the woodwork, plump seat bolsters and good, clean carpets. It’s a simply remarkable example that’s bound to impress even the most discerning enthusiast.
The Exterior
- Excellent Paul Bracq bodywork
- Panel fit is excellent with no dents or dings
- We can’t spot any significant signs of wear
- The car has had replacement sills and a new bonnet in 2019
- The car is carrying an additional set of chrome wing-mounted mirrors
- These add even more to the car’s distinguished appearance
- Horizon Blue paintwork in excellent order with a good, clean gloss
- No clear signs of wear and damage we can spot
- The chromework is excellent and carries a bright contrast
- We can’t spot any missing trims or corrosion to the brightwork
- The iconic grille is in excellent condition
- The glasswork and lenses are superb throughout
- The car is sat on its colour-matched wheels
- These are shod in well-presented Nexen tyres that have plenty of tread
- The chassis is in excellent order with no clear signs of corrosion
With its distinguished appearance, attractive Horizon Blue paintwork and a superb finish, this car has obviously been cossetted. We can’t spot any significant defects across the board - it’s a shining, brightly-presented piece of automotive art that’ll turn heads on the road - and probably bring a big grin to your face when you open your garage, too.
The Mechanics
- 2.8L M130 Straight-six powerplant
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Engine bay is in excellent order
- We’ve not been made aware of any mechanical modifications
- The car’s history file proves just how well it’s been looked after
- The car is starting first time with no reported issues
- We’ve no reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
With an excellent history, this car has a clean bill of health and looks in superb fettle. We can’t spot any causes for concern, and the vendor reports that it’s in excellent order. This is a car that still provides a smooth, luxurious drive with plenty of torque and good, strong performance that’s free of any snags - no matter how minor.
Summary
This is a simply remarkable example of the W108 - perhaps among the best we’ve seen. With excellent bodywork, a winning interior, and top-notch mechanical condition, there’s not a thing we can see to raise any concerns.
For all intents and purposes, this remarkable car is ready and waiting to hit the road with the lucky buyer - and will no doubt prove to be a very impressive purchase.
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 280 S
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 93,687 Miles
- Engine size 2778
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Perth
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
13
bids
from 3
bidders
- hawai_5•••• £3,500 23/09/23
- rachel-•••• £3,333 23/09/23
- lowman1•••• £3,200 22/09/23
- hawai_5•••• £3,100 22/09/23
- lowman1•••• £3,000 22/09/23
- hawai_5•••• £2,000 22/09/23
- rachel-•••• £1,777 22/09/23
- hawai_5•••• £1,655 22/09/23
- rachel-•••• £1,555 22/09/23
- hawai_5•••• £1,450 22/09/23
The Gallery
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|---|---|
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