A time warp W116 in completely original condition with low, original mileage
Benefitting from just two owners and a life in the temperate South African climate
Complete with its Nova document for easy UK registration with its first UK owner
The Appeal
The W116 hit the roads in 1972 and became the first Mercedes to be officially known as the S-Class or “Sonderklasse” (Special Class). The sophistication of the design, with independent suspension and disk brakes all round, was widely acclaimed and it was subsequently voted as 1974’s Car of the Year.
This example is a fascinating find. A two-owner car in totally original condition right down to the card fuse box index and the original Mercedes Benz first aid kit. Its life in South Africa, until a few weeks ago, has endowed it with a condition that most UK W116’s can only dream of.
The interior of this W116 is spacious and very of its period
It’s a totally original interior in a very serviceable condition
There is some room for improving it further should the new owner wish
The perforated leather seats are box pleated in a tan colourway
The driver’s seat is a little worn with a few small splits in evidence
The remainder on the seat upholstery is in a good used condition overall
The door cards are dressed in a matching finish with perforated centre sections
All door cards are in a very good condition with all their quality door furniture present
The headlining and surrounding trim panels are in excellent, original condition
The signature, Mercedes Benz mottled carpets are in a brown colourway
They appear to be in fine condition and are protected with period Mercedes rubber mats
The dashboard is finished in a blend of black, tan and wood veneer panels
The top of the dash exhibits a few cracks caused by sunlight exposure
The instruments are large, clear white on black articles in period Mercedes style
The large steering wheel is finished in black and in a very good condition
The original Blaupunkt Becker radio cassette player is fitted
The original first aid kit is housed under the parcel shelf
The large boot is carpeted in grey and houses the spare wheel and original pillar jack
It’s hard to imagine a more original interior in a Mercedes Benz of this era. Everything is as it should be for the period of car and, overall, its in a great patinaed condition. For a car of its age and mileage it is a testament to the excellent quality of the materials used and the engineering integrity employed.1976_Mercedes_Benz_280SE-074.jpg2.43 MB
The Exterior
The exterior is believed to still be wearing its original green colourway
The paintwork appears to be in good, overall condition for its age
The finish is a little matt in places and the car may benefit from a professional detailing
The brightwork to the grill, bumpers, wheel trims and window surrounds is bright
The panel gaps are tight and symmetrical, and the doors close with vault-like precision
The bonnet and boot open and close easily and the fuel flap boasts a strong spring action
The 14-inch steel wheels are finished with the correct chrome and body-coloured trims
Rhino tyres in the period-correct 195/70 configuration are fitted
The signature light lenses, ribbed at the back to diffuse dirt, are in fine original fettle
The cabin glass all appears to be original, and no faults or delamination was noted
The W116 is a great looking car and initiated a design language that was carried through the Mercedes Benz range right up to the 1990’s. It’s a sophisticated looking car and suits its green colourway perfectly.
The engineering values of Mercedes Benz at this time were legendary and this W116 exhibits that in spades. Everything is extremely solid and sturdy and suggest that this car has many productive years ahead of it.
This 280 SE is fitted with the M110, 2.8L straight six engine
The “E” of SE designates this as a fuel injected car with the K-Jetronic system fitted
This configuration was originally rated at 182 bhp and 176 Ib-ft of torque
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed W4B 025 gearbox
The car appears to have benefitted from regular servicing over its life
The current owners have just fitted two new front shock absorbers too
The car starts, idles and runs well and all mechanical systems seem to be in great shape
The straight six engine fitted to this car was powerful for its day as well as refined. In its time it was able to haul this big saloon to 60mph in around 10 seconds. The engine has gone on to prove a robust and reliable unit with a good spares’ availability. Combined with the four-speed automatic gearbox makes this a surprisingly refined and useable classic even today.1976_Mercedes_Benz_280SE-145.jpg2.88 MB
Summary
If you are in the market for a big, classic Mercedes saloon, as more and more enthusiasts are, this car represents a great prospect. UK examples are often compromised by corrosion and rarely available in the original and unmolested condition that this car offers.
The classic saloon market is heating up at the moment, with more and more collectors waking up to the practicality, quality, and refinement of these stately luxury saloons. If you are in the market, then it is hard to imagine a more original and attainable example arising again any time soon.
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