For classic car aficionados, the S-Class name has always been an aspirational one; the iconic big Merc, the top-of-the-range luxury saloon that signalled the person behind the wheel – or, frequently, the person lounging in the back – was doing rather well out of life. It’s a name which carries a lot of cultural significance.

Introduced in 1965, the W108-series is the model that preceded the first officially-designated S-Class (the W116), but the roots are clear. The W108 ushered in a design language that would inform much of Mercedes-Benz’s output right through to the 1980s – crisp simplicity with inimitable Stuttgart style thanks to Paul Bracq’s deft penmanship.

The second-series models, like the car we have here, were built from 1967-72 with a revised range of engines; in 280SE form, that means a 2.8-litre M130 straight-six with a 4-speed manual as standard with the option of a 4-speed auto.

As you can see, this car boasts the latter, with floor-shift rather than column-shift, and it’s a drivetrain extremely well suited to the SE: with close to 160 bhp and 180 lb.ft to spirit it along, this smooth-riding model is as efficient and entertaining as it is cosseting.

 

Supplied new in 1972 by a dealer in Surrey, this 280SE is one of those cars that enraptures its owners and encourages them to hold onto it for years – you can see from the V5 that it shows just 2 former keepers from new. And the lovely condition you see it in isn’t down to a ground-up restoration, but simply the fact that it’s always been cherished, looked after, and garaged.

The history file shows a consistent thread of careful maintenance; it’s had new sills and the bonnet repainted, and the overall story is one of appropriate care to keep it in a roadworthy and enjoyable condition.

One thing that’s particularly impressive to note is that this car has always been MOT’d, despite being exempt – and a check of the MOT database shows that it has always passed with no advisories as far back as the system records, and never failed. In all-original spec and wonderful to drive, this low-owners example is a rare find indeed.

 

There’s a reassuringly large file of documentation with this Mercedes-Benz, including the original service book showing stamps from the supplying dealer in Farnham in the early 1970s.

A selection of other period pieces are here, including a fuel ration book and stamps, literature from the aftermarket Britax rear seatbelts, the manual for the Blaupunkt radio, plus the original Mercedes-Benz books. The MOT runs to October 2022.

There’s a large sheaf of receipts and invoices for parts acquired and work carried out, including a set of new sills in 2019, new brake master cylinder and front calipers, a full checkover and overhaul in 2012, and a host of main dealer parts as well as plenty from independent specialists.

As you’d probably expect of a proto-S-Class, this W108’s interior is supremely comfortable, and it really is in lovely condition throughout. The seats are trimmed in beige MB-Tex upholstery, which is all in good order and very clean, and the rear bench features a central armrest. The carpets are complete and tidy, as are the parcel shelf covering and the headlining.

The car is fitted with the optional ivory steering wheel, a tasteful item that complements the light-coloured seats well. The dash is in very good condition, with no evidence of sun damage to the dash-top, and all gauges functioning correctly. A period Blaupunkt push-button radio is fitted, and there’s a set of Britax seatbelts in the rear.

What’s particularly pleasing about this car is that everything works: it’s a highly-specced machine with power steering, and everything in here is doing just what it should.

The windows wind up and down freely, the heater works, the ashtray and wood trim are undamaged – there’s no to-do list, it’s a car that you can jump straight into to cruise and enjoy.

Inside the boot it’s dry and tidy, with a matching spare wheel with fresh tyre, jack, and Mercedes-Benz tool roll.

Resplendent in Horizon Blue, this is an elegant and graceful saloon that cuts quite a dash around town. The fit and finish throughout is remarkable, with the doors requiring a gentle swing to close rather than a hard slam, the boot lid gently lowering itself as it should, and the panel gaps being uniformly consistent throughout.

All of the correct chrome trim is in place and in good condition, and you’ll note that a pair of chrome wing mirrors have been fitted in addition to the standard door mirror, which gives the car a rather presidential feel when driving.

All of the window glass and light lenses are in good condition. There are no noticeable knocks, dents, scuffs or scratches anywhere on the body, it’s all remarkably presentable; we know from the history file that it’s had new sills and the bonnet’s been repainted, and everything matches extremely well with the paint looking very pleasing across the whole car.

The wheels wear the correct matching hubcaps, and have quality tyres with plenty of tread.

The drivetrain of the 280SE is very well suited to the car’s purpose, with the smoothness of the straight-six and of the transmission perfectly complementing the character of quality, while the underlying swells of torque imbue it with the requisite urgency should the need arise.

The paperwork shows how thoroughly this car has been maintained, and this is keenly in evidence in the way it drives: it really is a lovely cruiser, with no knocks or squeaks or rattles, the gauges registering the correct temperatures and pressures, and the car wafting along very comfortably.

The engine fires up on the first turn of the key, idles evenly, and pulls keenly through the revs. The brakes are strong, the power steering works well, and the suspension is appropriately comfortable.

And for added reassurance, the vendor tells us that they completed a five-hour journey from Cornwall to London shortly before our photoshoot and the Mercedes behaved absolutely perfectly throughout. Which is just the way a good Mercedes should be.

The 280 SE represents remarkable value on the classic market right now. With the values of its SL brethren skyrocketing, it’s almost hard to believe just how much car you get with a W108; obviously this is a totally different proposition to an SL, but the key touchpoints are shared: impeccable engineering, mechanical robustness, ineffable style… and this particular 280 SE makes an extremely strong case for itself.

The condition is fabulous inside and out, and it’s such a good runner – you could happily press this into service as a daily-driver for the family; alternatively, you could keep it wrapped up in the garage and wheel it out occasionally to win all the silverware at local car shows.

Either way, this delightful Mercedes is going to give its next keeper a great deal of enjoyment.


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