Highlights
• Comprehensive history file
• Very modest mileage
• Great condition throughout
• Fully leather and lovely specification
• Automatic gearbox
• Power steering
• Air conditioning
• Great condition throughout
• Fully leather and lovely specification
• Automatic gearbox
• Power steering
• Air conditioning
The Background
The Mercedes W108 280S carried on a great reputation of robust build quality and luxury that had been started by its predecessors and sold in strong numbers.
This robust build quality and reliable engine options stood it in good stead to be both a favoured executive saloon and latterly a good service vehicle such as taxis in hotter climates.
The History
This 1970 280 S was sold new in South Africa and spent all of its life there until it was imported to the UK in 2021.
It has low miles (in KMs of course) and has a decent service book to back it up.
It has now been brought to the UK , registered over here and is looking for a new owner.
The Paperwork
The car has a lot of service stamps/information from its time in South Africa and there are a number of invoices for works carried out also.
The car also comes with its UK Registration documents and import paperwork for which all duties have been paid.
The service book shows
- Delivered new 26/03/1970
- 1st inspection @833 miles 13/04/1970
- 6,000 mile inspection/service @6,081 miles 10/08/1970
- 9,000 mile inspection/service @9,008 miles 06/11/1970 Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 12,000 mile inspection/service @13,109 miles 19/01/1971 Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 15,000 mile inspection/service @15,300 miles Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 18,000 mile inspection/service @18,901 miles Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 20,000 mile inspection/service @21,131 miles 09/08/1971 Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 24,000 mile inspection/service @24,256 miles Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 27,000 mile inspection/service Plugs replaced Carburettor overhaul Severn Motors Ltd, Pietermaritzburg
- 30,000 mile inspection/service 01/07/1974 Aussie Triangle Service station, Durban
- 33,000 mile inspection/service @35,259 miles 24/04/1975 Aussie Triangle Filling station, Durban
- 38,000 mile inspection/service @47,225 miles Peter Fifer
- 90,000 mile inspection/service @88,900 miles Frisco Garage, Alberton
The Interior
The full red leather interior on this vehicle is in tidy used condition with some wear to the leather most notably the drivers seat, specifically the bolster area which will need attention, as pictured.
The rest of the interior shows some fading/wear but is in great shape for a 51 year old vehicle. The windows are tinted as is common for imports that have spent their lives in a hot climate and the steering wheel is pure class.
The car uses a column shift to change gears as the seats armrest fold up out of the way almost giving you a full bench right across the front.
The Exterior
The car is an off white with a white roof and its very elegant lavished with chrome trimmings which are all in decent order. The car sports a decent set of wheels that are in nice condition and also thin whitewall tyres which suit it really well.
All badges are present and overall it’s a tidy classic. There is some surface corrosion on the running gear and back box.
The Mechanics
The engine bay is very original and there are no untoward knocks bangs or squeaks. The car is an automatic operating from a column shift and all works as it should which ties in with its low mileage and service record.
The car feels nice and light for such a large saloon and you wouldn’t really know your driving a 51 year old vehicle which is testament to the build quality on these executive German saloons.
There are a number of invoices on file with the car showing the work carried out in recent years, they are also pictured.
The Appeal
This is exactly the kind of car that a lot of people look for to act as their wedding car, why? Because it’s a large German executive saloon with plenty of luxury and more style and panache than you can shake a stick at.
It's easy to drive, due to its solid build quality and service record will probably out live most of us, it will certainly out live most of the modern cars you see on the road and because its 51 years old its tax exempt, MOT exempt . Also, due to its classic status its most likely exempt from all of these ridiculous clean air zones popping up all over the place.
You can’t get much more style from a 1970s vehicle and if your in the market for one of these beautiful vehicles this one should definitely be worth consideration.
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.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. 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.
