Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5

This original RHD/MPH Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 was built in Stuttgart and delivered new to the dry climate of Western Australia in June 1971. The car was chosen with the top-specification 3.5-litre V8 and floor-shift automatic gearbox (420), and specified in the more climate-forgiving colour of Weiss (050) with Cognac MB-Tex interior. The option codes on the original data plate suggest the following: 220 - Rear Door Contacts; 420 - Automatic Trans w/ Floor Shift; 467 - Central Locking & English Language Instruments; 502 - Outside Mirror on Right Hand Side; 625 - Version for Australia; 050 - Weiss Exterior. Other options that we have spotted include: Rear Passenger Seatbelts, Sundym Glass w/ Blue Top Tint Front Screen, Becker Europa Radio, and the very rare Centre Console Seat Pad (effectively making the car a six-seater). Overall, this is a very good, unmolested and rust-free example of the iconic V8 W108 saloon that’s ready to use and enjoy over the summer months. 

The history file with the 280SE 3.5 is full and together, with the original bookpack, brochure and every expense since the car’s import in 2015 present, along with Australian bills and correspondence back to the early 00s - at which point it was exclusively looked after by MB main dealers FW Wann and Central Star in South Australia. By 2015, the car had changed hands once more and made its way to a classic car dealer in Sydney, at which point it was spotted by an enthusiast in London and subsequently purchased. It was then imported to the UK using CARS in May 2015 (at a cost of £5,300) and transported directly to London, where it entered dry storage with the intention for it to be used on the imminent summer days. The owner sadly passed away a few months after taking delivery of the car and ownership was transferred to his son. The Mercedes was in dry storage for over 5 years with the son struggling to part with it, it was regularly moved out and warmed through to ensure minimal degradation with some minor servicing carried out at a Surrey-based specialist. The car was eventually sold to the current owner in May 2021 and underwent an element of recommissioning prior to being subjected to proper use. Since then, various details of the car - mechanically and cosmetically - have been meticulously gone-through in the owner’s spare time to ensure it’s up to his standard. Over 7,000 miles and 4 years of selective usage (and regular maintenance) as a summer daily, the car has been totally reliable, a true testament to the famous Mercedes-Benz quality. 

As you’d expect from a W108 that spent the first 44 years of its life in a salt-free, dry climate, the car is totally rust-free and we struggle to find any evidence of previous dodgy repairs. The floors, sills and inner wings all look to be original with a nice, thin coating of black protection (as well as clear Waxoyl & Lanoguard on top) to ensure nothing is hidden. Although it has had paint in places over its 54-year life, the Weiss exterior is very good with an excellent finish, and even colour and shut-lines all-round. The chrome/brightwork is also all in top condition with minimal scratches accrued and no corrosion or pitting to be seen. The only signs of age on the exterior are a few chips in certain areas (see photos) as well as some micro-blistering on the leading shoulder of the NSF door. For us, the Cognac interior is perfect, with no wear to the MB-Tex after five decades (as intended by Mercedes) and all the switchgear and chrome still presenting beautifully with no cracks or corrosion to be found anywhere - the Coco Mats are a fitting addition too. Everything on the car works as it should, including the rare, original Becker Europa radio with dash speaker - a period-style amp and rear speakers have been retro-fitted for non-AM listening. It is totally complete elsewhere too, even retaining the original spare-wheel, jack and toolkit in the boot alongside a number of spare parts accrued over the current period of ownership, just in case. 

Driving the 280SE 3.5 is a joy, the V8 burble is ever-present but never intrusive, and it runs very cleanly with no smoke, smells or unwanted noises from the drivetrain or the supple suspension. Just entering the car and shutting the door will give you a full sense of the 1970s Mercedes build quality - the main selling point of Mercedes-Benzes of the era. We can tell this example is a very well looked-after car that has never been neglected or fallen into the wrong hands, as many US and UK-market W108s have. This coupled with the rarity of the RHD/MPH 3.5 saloon makes it a fantastic opportunity for someone in the market for a reliable, comfortable and swift classic this summer.

The car is based at our studio in Bicester, please contact Greg for any further information, or to arrange a viewing.