Specification:

1971 280se 3.5 W108 series.

Details:

The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109 are luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through to 1972 (or 1973 in North America). The line was an upgrade of the Mercedes-Benz W114/W115, to succeed the W111 and W112 fintail sedans. The cars were successful in West Germany and in export markets including North America and Southeast Asia. During the seven-year run, a total of 383,361 units were manufactured.

Following the strong reception of limited production V8-powered 300 SEL 6.3 in 1967, Mercedes-Benz offered the all-new 3.5-litre M116 V8 engine with new Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection in 1969. The V8 engine would move W108/W109 further upmarket in many export markets and allow them to be more competitive in the United States where many passenger vehicles, especially the American luxury marques, were fitted with V8 engines. The new 147 kW (200 PS; 197 bhp) V8 engine was first fitted to W109 in August 1969 as 300 SEL 3.5 then to W108 in July 1970 as 280 SE/SEL 3.5.

This particular example having originally been an Australian car is in outstanding condition. The undercarriage and chassis are so original and in excellent condition that it defies its 53 years age. The bodywork was repainted many years ago and as you can see from the photos is holding up very well. There are some very minor blemishes which do not detract from its overall condition. All the chrome work is also in great condition, even the rear side of the bumpers have no corrosion and still have their original cream protective paint fully intact. The interior again is a testament to the age old MB Tex and how well it weathers the years. The seats are unmarked with a nice patina of age befitting the car. The door cards are excellent and there is only one trim with a few age marks. Unfortunately over its travels there is very little in the way of history accompanying the car other than a couple of invoices dating from 2008 in the UK where it obviously landed from Australia before coming to Ireland. The clock now shows 25,144 miles and with the condition of the undercarriage one could believe that that is what it has covered but you could also assume that it has covered 125k if the clock has gone round once. In our experience though we can certainly say it has not covered more judging by the condition. The car does has manual windows and no sunroof as there is A/C fitted although we are not sure if it has been upgraded to take the current regulation gas. Automatic with power steering. We are just in the process of installing the correct rabbit ear front and rear headrests.  In our opinion they finish these cars off and are very appealing.

Summary:

This is a beautiful car to drive and the engine and gearbox perform like the day they left the factory. It is a stunning car to look at and sit in and we only wish we could find another one in such good original condition.

Additional images available on request.