HIGHLIGHTS
- Comes from a warm dry climate
- Original engine
- Original 33328 miles
- Ex South African Embassy car
- Original leather interior
- All duties paid
- Luxury motoring
THE APPEAL
Mercedes-Benz model classification is tricky to follow once the tailfins disappeared in the late 60’s. There were a lot of model variations but one model that was easy to identify is the W108 family of saloons. They have a very stately look to them, and especially the 280S that we have here. It’s almost regal.
This model was known as the Stroke Eight had improved performance and could achieve 0-60mph in 12.5 seconds and push on to 115mph. A better arrangement of cylinders and filters improved both cooling and economy. The outstanding qualities of this new vehicle shaped a whole generation of cars.
This model which arrived in 1968 was the first real 'S-Class' Mercedes. They were large comfortable sports saloons offering powerful touring capabilities and luxurious interiors with space to seat five occupants. Today it is an established classic.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Vendor imported the vehicle in December 2021
- Full respray in flat black
- Well maintained
- South African Embassy car for many years
- All import duties paid with corresponding paperwork
The vehicle comes with a small file of work done in South Africa. There was proof of service history documentation prior to the export but it didn’t arrive and is at present lost in transit somewhere between S.A and the UK. It is apparent the vehicle has been well looked after over the years as there are many original features internally that are still in place. It was an embassy car for most of its life so we would have believed it had comprehensive servicing and maintenance.
The car underwent comprehensive recommissioning in South Africa monitored closely by the current vendor who communicated online throughout the process. It was then encased in bubble wrap in a container for the safe journey to Northern Ireland where it now resides.
THE INTERIOR
- Original red leather interior
- Folding centre armrests with an additional slot-in armrest
- White leather steering wheel and insert
- Two speed wipers
- Leather and wood dashboard in good condition
- Headliner in good condition
- Original carpets
Stepping into the cabin, we are met by swathes of rich red leather, which covers the seats and door cards. The dashboard is trimmed in darker black leather, accented by wood trim. All very beautiful. There are surface cracks appearing in the front seats, mainly on the passenger side. The textured door card materials are bright and clean with shining chrome work.
There is added safety with the inclusion of front seat belts.
There appears to be a Mk4 escort air vent trim in place which looks like an added upgrade which seems to fit in seamlessly.
The boot area is clean and tidy, but a spare wheel will need to be sourced as not with the car.
THE EXTERIOR
- Full respray
- Matching Firestone tyres
- Great road presence
- Stately looks
The vehicle underwent a full respray in south Africa to a hight standard. The top-quality chrome work looks to be good condition with patina commensurate with age. There is one small area of peel on the front driver’s side.
The chrome grille looks excellent and gives the W108 an imposing look.
Generally, very solid all-round with some small areas for cosmetic improvement such as the bumper rubbers and panel fit on the driver’s side bonnet.
THE MECHANICALS
- Disc brakes
- Dual two-barrel Zenith carburettors
- Mechanical components serviced and oils and fluids changed
- Smooth gearchange
- Starts easily and runs smoothly
- Air conditioning (fitted but not connected)
It’s very apparent this 280S had led a pampered life and was serviced regularly. The vendor tells us all the mechanicals work smoothly and as they should.
The ride is silky and precise due to the double wishbone front suspension with coil springs, stabilizer bar and rear coil spring with low-pivot swing axle. It was a revolutionary design in the day and allowed the big bodied Mercedes to be very stable on all surfaces.
The car could be used and driven now but there will be some work needed to tidy up the underside. It would benefit from undersealing and a small piece of fabrication might be needed.
There are a few cosmetic details the vendor pointed out to us such as the small crack on the headlight side light and a small oil seep from a seal under the engine. The air conditioning unit is in place but will need a belt to activate the system.
This 280S is from the last of the handcrafted age and has a quality feel with superior engineering
SUMMARY
The W108 Mercedes-Benz line was famed for its superior engineering, luxurious comfort, and heirloom-quality longevity. And with its legendary platform, was equally popular in America as it was in Europe.
This top of the range Mercedes-Benz 280S is a wonderful classic touring car, which offers style and comfort in equal measure. It will need a few bits doing to it to bring it up to an even higher standard and as these cars are solid and easily worked on it won’t take much to add more class and value to this example. Here’s to another 54 years of luxury motoring in style.
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