Awarded ‘People’s Choice’ at the 2023 Simply Mercedes show at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
The Appeal
Over the past six decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become synonymous with being one of the finest motor cars in the world.
Styled by visionary automotive designer Paul Bracq and introduced in 1965, the first iteration of the model was initially powered by a modest 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine, but the unit was upped to 2,778cc in 1968 to become the S280. But the biggest change to the range came in 1970, with the introduction of a V8 powertrain using the M116 engine created for the new R107 SL. The V8 SEs are the most sought after of the breed today.
And that’s what we have here – a remarkable survivor with two previous owners since 1992, the last of whom has had the car for two decades. Prior to that, it belonged to a friend of his. Used only for high days and holidays during his ownership, a change in personal circumstances means he now needs to pass this remarkably original car onto a new owner.
It’s in straight overall condition but is an unrestored car, so it wears a gentle patina befitting of a 51-year-old prestige car.
The History and Paperwork
Original UK-supplied car
Only two owners since 1992
MOT, tax and ULEZ/Clean Air Zone exempt
Original handbook
Owned by the vendor for 20 years and maintained, serviced and repaired when necessary
Minimal use in last 3-4 years but has recently been used for a 400-mile round trip to the Simply Mercedes day at Beaulieu, where it was awarded the “People’s Choice’ trophy
Old MOT certificates
Large pile of invoices from Derrick Wells, a well-respected Mercedes-Benz specialist in Stowmarket
51k mileage believed genuine
Known history since early 1980s
The Condition
Unusual Mercedes-Benz ‘606’ Yellow paint
Unrestored with all original panels
Repaired and repainted in localised areas over the years
Some areas of the bodywork will require further attention in the future, with rust bubbles on two wheel arches and both sills, and on the boot lid
One or two other marks, chips and small blisters around the bodywork, shown where possible in photos – a gentle patina for an unrestored 50+ year-old car, which still looks fabulous
Very good chrome and trim – bumpers and grille are especially good
Green leather upholstery with matching door cars
Large black steering wheel with chrome horn ring
Excellent carpets and headlining with gentle signs of wear
Dashboard wood trim is in good order but with a couple of minor signs of age
Small split in rear seat behind fold-down centre arm rest
Modern Blaupunkt London stereo system
Electric sunroof in fabulous working order
Electric windows
Tinted windows
Heated rear screen
Very clean and tidy luggage area with original tool kit
The absolute key to this car’s appeal is its originality – it’s as unspoilt as you’re likely to find, with all of its original panels and superb chrome trim.
It’s a straight and tidy car – quite remarkable for an unrestored one – but it does have a few cosmetic areas that the new owner may choose to improve, including some rust bubbles on both outer sills as well as one rear and one front wheelarch. There’s a record of welding work having been done historically in the car’s history file and it appears to be solid underneath, at least as far as we could see.
The car sports its original Mercedes-Benz wheel trims, with nearly new Uniroyal Rallye tyres all-round.
Inside it has a very gentle patina that adds to its overall character. The wonderful green leather seats are in great order other than some very slight marks, as are the carpets, while the dashboard is straight and tidy with just a few areas where the varnish has lifted slightly. One truly delightful feature is its electric sunroof, which still operates with trademark Germanic precision.
The Mechanics
3.5-litre compact fuel-injected V8
Automatic transmission
Reported to drive very well
Proven on recent long journey
Specialist maintained in recent years
Starts keenly and settles to a steady idle with minimal exhaust smoke
New brake pads and callipers, and front and rear brake hoses
New front axle mounting
New fuel hoses
Fresh HT leads
New partial exhaust
Automatic choke
Filled with Evans classic waterless coolant with corrosion inhibitor
According to the vendor, the 280 SE starts and drives exactly as it should and has recently been driven on a 400+ mile round trip to the National Motor Museum and back, performing without fault both there and back.
It starts, runs and shifts gear well and appears to have been well-maintained for all of its life – certainly within the vendor’s custodianship, where it has been looked after by a reputable specialist. The car saw very little use in 2020, 2021 and 2022 for health and lockdown reasons, but has been recommissioned and used this year.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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