Description
1977 Mercedes W116 280 SE, a rarely seen, exceptionally preserved, unrestored example, having covered only 47, 865 miles in 49 years.
Family owned from new and one collector owner since 2025.
Mercedes began developing its new luxury saloon in 1966 with the plain intention of making it the best four-door car in the world. That was quite a mission considering Rolls-Royce had not long ago launched its Silver Shadow to huge acclaim, but Mercedes saw this more as a benchmark to surpass than a hurdle. The handsome Friedrich Geiger–styled lines were signed off by the end of the 1960s, and the new ‘Special Class’, told you everything you needed to know at the car’s unveiling in 1972 at the Frankfurt Motor show.
With one eye on the fuel crisis of the period, Mercedes wisely introduced its new saloon with a DOHC 2. 8-litre straight-six and a 3. 5-litre V8 engine. Compared to the Rolls-Royce’s 6. 75-litre V8 and the big motors used in most US luxury sedans, the S-Class looked positively frugal, but not at the expense of performance, even the carburetted 280S could reach 118mph. Opting for the fuel-injected 280SE, and that rose to 125mph.
You could choose between a four-speed manual gearbox and an automatic – three-speed in the V8, four-speed featuring in the 280S/ SE, both with a conventional torque converter.
Sales would pass 470, 000 units by the end of production in 1980.
The very last W116 manufactured being a 3. 0D which now resides at the Stuttgart factory museum.
With its trademark double bumpers, rain-dispersing windscreen trims and large, dirt-resistant taillights, the shape had evolved under the guidance of the quietly masterful – and soon to retire – Friedrich Geiger.
Thoughtful details such as fully integrated front and rear seatbelts, a first-aid kit on the rear shelf and a warning triangle on the inside of the bootlid helped promote the idea that an S-Class was a very safe way to travel.
It had a 5in-longer wheelbase than before, with the fuel tank located behind the rear seats – rather than in the boot floor – for crash-resistance.
Superbly developed in minute detail for wide acceptance in all markets, the legacy of these big 1970s Mercedes-Benz saloons is that they established the idea of the S-Class range as the international default-choice luxury saloon.
This example, finished in striking Imperial Yellow (624) was first registered in April 1977. It is understood that the supplying dealer was Rawsons Euro Cars LTD in Tonbridge. They attended to the first running in service in May 1977, the mileage reading being 1, 226 miles. Thereafter, Cares Garage in Crowborough maintained until 10, 002 miles and further maintenance is evident up until 46, 484 miles in August 1994. Additionally, old MOT certificates feature, dating from 1988 and 43, 986 miles up until August 1999 where the mileage was recorded at 47, 521 miles.
The original and rare to see data card, maintenance book, instruction manual, UK and European dealer directory are on file.
Clearly, the car has been kept so beautifully preserved by the application of Tectyl wax treatment in its early life The original grommets are still in place and provided access to all cavities.
This a totally unrestored, unwelded example which is extremely rare to see on any W116.
The last and current owner took custody of the car in March 2025 at 47, 580 miles and duly had it carefully inspected by Pentangle Mercedes Specialists in nearby Southampton. There is a sizeable value invoice on file and essential items were attended to during this visit.
