Highlights

Bought new by owner's grandfather
Original sales invoice present
4 speed manual
Recently recommissioned
An opportunity to preserve or improve
Sold with its original body-coloured hubcaps

The Appeal

The vendor of this Mercedes recalls the day of this car’s delivery in July 1973, when his grandfather took possession of the car he had ordered in March of that year. It has remained in the family ever since, being used to tour Europe, and was stored off the road from 2002 until the vendor had the car recommissioned for use at a cost of €7,255.

This an example of Mercedes’ executive W116 model appears to be in remarkably good condition and with a fairly low 219 000km from new. It is from an era when Mercedes of this calibre were over-engineered and able to clock up vast mileages without complaint.

The next owner will be able to decide whether to preserve this car’s patina, built up over years of careful use, or to embark on a thorough restoration to bring it back to its original condition.

The History and Paperwork

Single family ownership from new
First registered July 1973
Taken off the road in 2002
Original bill of sale for Fr. 62,265 from Mercedes-Benz Lyon
Maintained by Salta Mercedes, Lyon
Extensive Mercedes service history until 1984
€7,255 recommissioning service carried out in 2021
Original Certificat d’Immatriculation
FFVE certificate obtained (for registering as a historic vehicle in France)

The Interior

Original interior (MB Tex 165)
The interior has been professionally cleaned and checked to ensure nothing is loose
Beige upholstery in remarkably good condition
Dashboard clean and presentable
Gauges and switches said to function as they should
Door cards generally good - one minor tear in corner of driver’s door
Full size spare wheel
Original jack
Headlining clean and secure

The Exterior

Metallic blue paintwork generally good (Metal Blue 387)
Recently polished
Age related scratches and blemishes
Small piece of the rear wing side moulding missing
Small chip in passenger area of windscreen
Hole in driver's side taillight
Alloy wheels in presentable condition (body-coloured hubcaps are present, visible in gallery)
Tyres will need to be replaced
No damage reported underneath
Some minor corrosion towards the rear
Light lenses clear and bright

The Mechanics

A full mechanical service was carried out in 2021
The vendor states that this included the following:
- Disassembly and reassembly of the injectors, replacement of seals
- Engine oil change
- Gearbox oil change
- Replacement of filters and spark plugs
- Fuel tank replacement
- Replaced exhaust silencer
- Replacement of rear bearings
- Rear brake adjustment
- Wiring harness repair
The car is said to start and drive as it should do, changing gear and braking without fault
There are no reported leaks or smoke

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a Mercedes 280 SE with an interesting history and in good condition. Its recommissioning service means that it is ready to be enjoyed as it is, or its next owner may wish to carry out a more thorough restoration.

These luxury Mercedes are now very sought after and appreciated as fine examples of Mercedes-Benz build quality.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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