"For UK-based buyers, a highly competitive fixed-rate shipping quote has been secured for: £1,650 via Freight Factory for all cars sold by this seller on auction"
Highlights
- One previous keeper from new
- Fine and highly preserved example with 2.8L straight six engine
- Preserved in dry South African climate
- Original DB180 Silver paintwork with factory-correct finish
- Original blue basket weave leather interior in very good condition
- Recent service and overhaul by Mercedes-Benz specialist Thomas Kershaw
The Appeal
In the late 60s and early 70s, if you were a captain of industry and needed to get from A to B briskly, comfortably and with the minimum of fuss, you wanted a W108 Mercedes-Benz. That it is a Paul Bracq design masterpiece of understatement adds to the timeless appeal of these handsome cars.
The M130-powered 2.8L straight six 280S is a wise choice for modern collectors. It blends brisk, effortless performance with decent modern-day economy - after all, these are very usable cars.
Not that this car has been used and abused. Before the vendor acquired it for his large classic car collection, it was a one-keeper example that had spent its life in the sunny, dry climate of Colesberg. That explains the high preservation of its smart silver metallic paintwork and evocative blue leather cabin. This is a car that is in great condition.
The vendor has entrusted it recently Mercedes-Benz guru Thomas Kershaw for regular servicing and maintenance. We are told that it recently received a major overhaul, including new Bilstein shock absorbers, and is in fine running order. As the vendor confirms below, this is a great car that will appeal to discerning collectors.
The vendor says:
“There are cars that have been “restored,” and then there are cars that never needed to be.
“This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280S (W108) is the latter—a pristine, untouched masterpiece, preserved in such a way that it feels like stepping back into a Mercedes-Benz showroom of the early 1970s.
“This isn’t just any classic Mercedes-Benz—this is an original, unrestored, time-capsule example, a car that genuinely cannot be replicated.
“As a seasoned and respected collector, I have always sought out the very best, and this W108 is without question one of the finest in existence. However, due to the ongoing political instability in South Africa, I am liquidating my private collection, offering discerning buyers a rare chance to acquire a piece of automotive history in its purest form.
“This is an heirloom-quality classic, an example that will never come again. Serious buyers only. The right buyer will understand exactly what this is.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1971
- Retained by a single keeper for most of its life
- First keeper was a farmer from the Colesberg district in South Africa
- Current keeper acquired the car from him for his collection
- Genuine 106,000 miles recorded according to seller
- Recently serviced and maintained by Mercedes-Benz specialist Thomas Kershaw
- New Bilstein shock absorbers fitted
- Being sold from a private collection due to the owner's relocation from South Africa
- International shipping available through Freight Factory
- The vendor states the car has been kept in dry storage throughout its life
The vendor says:
“Cherished from new by a single farmer owner in the dry, sun-drenched Colesberg district, this car has never seen harsh winters, salty roads, or careless hands. With a genuine 106, 000 miles, this impeccable survivor remains as honest and true as the day it left Stuttgart.
“No rust, no rot, no disappointments. Just German engineering, preserved.
“For international buyers, I have negotiated a special shipping rate with Freight Factory, ensuring that this car is transported safely and professionally to any port worldwide. Whether you’re in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, or Australia, this Mercedes will arrive exactly as it left—flawless.”
The Condition
- This is a highly original car so buyers should anticipate some light patina
- Original DB180 Silver paintwork presents well with deep, lustrous finish
- Body panels appear free from notable defects with factory-correct panel gaps
- Chrome brightwork remains in very good order
- ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels in good condition as shown
- Underside appears to be in good order with evidence of undersealing
- Original blue basket weave leather interior presents in remarkably well-preserved condition
- Walnut veneer dashboard and trim appears intact and well-maintained
- Extensive Zebrano wood veneers in very good condition as shown
- Original 280S radio blanking plate still in place
- Interior shows minimal signs of wear considering the vehicle's age
- All glass, lights, and trim appear to be in good condition
The vendor says:
“The W108 Series was Mercedes-Benz at its absolute finest—over-engineered, built like a vault, and designed to last lifetimes. The moment you close the door, you feel it: the solid, reassuring “thunk” that modern cars could never replicate.
“This example, finished in original DB180 Silver, remains deep, lustrous, and factory correct. The panel gaps are perfect, the brightwork still gleams, and every line remains crisp and unblemished—a true testament to a life spent in dry storage and careful hands.
“Step inside, and the factory-original blue basket weave leather trim greets you in flawless condition—soft, supple, and untouched by time. No cracks, no wear, no excuses.
“The walnut veneer remains rich and deep, the dash unmarked, and proudly in place is the original 280S radio blanking plate, just as it left the factory. This is a cabin that has never been neglected, never been tampered with, and remains a shrine to 1970s Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. A Collector’s Opportunity – An Investment in Perfection.”
The Mechanics
- 2.8-litre M130 inline-six engine
- 4spd manual transmission
- Recently serviced and maintained by Mercedes-Benz specialist Thomas Kershaw
- New Bilstein shock absorbers fitted
- The vendor reports the engine runs smoothly with refinement
- Manual gearbox is said to operate correctly through all gears
- Hydraulic steering system reported to be in good working order
- The vendor states the car drives as it should, with the solid feel characteristic of W108 Mercedes models
- No reported running or driving issues
The vendor says:
“Beneath the long, elegant bonnet rests Mercedes’ legendary M130 inline-six, an engine celebrated for its silken refinement and bulletproof reliability. Paired to a rare and desirable manual gearbox, it transforms this W108 into a driver’s car, giving you direct control over every ounce of its effortless torque and smooth power delivery.
“The hydraulic steering is light yet communicative, the suspension floats over imperfections, and the car glides down the road with an authority that only a hand-built, flagship Mercedes-Benz can deliver.
“This particular 280S has been meticulously tuned and maintained by Mercedes-Benz master Thomas Kershaw, with new Bilstein shocks and major recent mechanical work ensuring that it remains in peak condition.”
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