1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Auto (W116)

Highlights 

  • 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 History and Paperwork

  • First assembled and registered in South Africa in 1976
  • Having covered a very modest 118,000 miles in the hands of just two owners
  • This represents just 2,500 miles a year on average
  • The car was acquired earlier this year by the current owners
  • The car was shipped to the UK a few weeks ago with all applicable duties paid
  • The car comes with a good depth of paperwork included
  • This includes the South African road worthiness certificate from just before import
  • An original owner’s manual is on hand
  • An improvised service booklet with a number of stamped entries are present
  • A number of invoices for work carried out are included
  • The car comes with its Nova import certificate to facilitate easy UK registration

The Interior

  • 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.jpg 2.43 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.

The Mechanics

  • 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.jpg 2.88 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.

Notice to bidders

Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller’s discretion.

Consulta le nostre FAQ qui e i nostri Termini e condizioni qui

Domande frequenti sulle aste
Specifiche del veicolo
  • Anno 1976
  • Marca Mercedes
  • Modello 280 SE
  • Colore Green
  • Chilometraggio 190,244 Kilometri
  • Cilindrata 2746
Dettagli d'asta
  • Tipo di venditore Rivenditore
  • Posizione Northamptonshire
  • Paese Regno Unito
Storico delle offerte
18 offerte
  • da•••• £7,600 22/08/22
  • VT•••• £7,500 22/08/22
  • da•••• £7,400 22/08/22
  • de•••• £7,200 22/08/22
  • da•••• £6,600 22/08/22
  • de•••• £6,500 22/08/22
  • Ds•••• £6,000 22/08/22
  • pa•••• £5,800 21/08/22
  • Mo•••• £5,500 19/08/22
  • pa•••• £5,200 18/08/22
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