1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Sedan
The W108 is a line of Mercedes-Benz automobiles introduced in 1965, and included the straight 6 M129 engine, squarish looks, stacked headlights, a nonintegrated front grille, and double stacked bumper configuration. Mercedes-Benz's of this era are often aligned with the phrase "built like a tank" and not unlike a double hulled ship, these cars were built to last. Some say there is no sound like the thud of a vintage Mercedes door closing.
For consignment, a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE that has always been garage kept according to our consignor who believes he may be only the third owner of this car. Between '67 and '72, 91,051 280SE's were produced, bested only by the 280S trim with 93,666 units in the same time period.
Exterior
Our stately car presents in a dark green hue and its stacked double headlights are consistent with the cars decidedly upright stance. Tall pillars create big windows that form a square cabin over square haunches and abruptly angled ends. A long, flat trunk lid leads to diminutive tail lights, and it would be a few years before the lights grew to their wide, tri-colored configuration. A mid panel trim piece goes from the headlights down the length of the car and around the trunk to connect with the other side is a subtle yet substantial design element. All of the chrome and polished metal, including that trim piece and window frames are in fantastic condition on the car and evidence of a pampered, indoor existence. The regal grille rises and allows the hood to bend and conform to its shape with lovely, curved steel and amber driving lights pop with color. On the corners 14-inch wheels wear a large Mercedes star. Imperfections include bubbling in several low areas, a few minor scratches, and some peeling paint on a panel corner edge.
Interior
Beautiful textured Cognac leather dresses the doors with unmistakable Mercedes quality. These are luxurious materials and robust hardware, and we haven't even gotten in the car yet! The ample front bucket seats are also coated in quality leather with vertical stitching and world renowned headrests. The back bench is slightly contoured for occupants which makes them a bit more comfortable than your average car, and there's seating for three in the back or two with a fold down armrest in the center. A handsome steering wheel with a substantial horn ring shares the column with the shifter and leads to a gauge cluster that rises above the wood dashboard. VDO gauges offer clear information while the AM/FM radio and A/C controls, framed in a chrome plate, are set in the wood dash for a gorgeous presentation. Below that, vents through a molded plastic tunnel that rises from the transmission hump. The passenger can also feel relaxed as wood dominates their view of the dash in front of them, as if designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Brown loop carpet below is in excellent condition and so is the perforated headliner above, complete with handles for each occupant, a small dome light, and visors. The trunk is lined with a rough cut piece of weaved carpet and houses a tool kit.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find the 2.8 liter inline 6 with driver quality esthetics and rated at 180 horsepower. It is fuel injected with Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection system onboard. A Daimler Benz 4-speed automatic transmission moves the car and sends power to the rear axle and 3.69 gears. As a high end car, power disc brakes are supplied in the front and the back.
Undercarriage
There's grease. There's surface rust. There's some oil where you might expect to find leaks. Much of the oil looks residual and we're not seeing actual drops. The right rear caliper or axle seal might actually be leaking as well. It's driver quality under here and maybe it just needs a good scrub to get a lifetime of usage cleaned up a bit. It has dual exhaust which meet at a stock style muffler and then exist as twins out the back via chrome tips. Coil springs are found up front and semi-trailing arm, coil springs, and a transverse coil spring is in place to work in conjunction with the swing axle, a configuration first used in the 1960 220SE.
Drive-Ability
THUD goes the door as we step into the car like we're stepping into a bubble bath. Enveloped in leather and wood does things to a person and for some, has a calming effect. But we don't rest on our laurels, we have a job to do! The car starts without issue and rolls cleanly onto the test loop in fine style and with plenty of power at hand. Shifts are smooth, tracking is straight, and turns are tight but have more roll than an SL would. Still, this is the lap of luxury and a true driving machine, (sorry, BMW). Operationally only the A/C and heater blower don't work but all other functions do. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Regal, upright, and of high quality even 54 years later, there is nothing quite like a vintage Mercedes sedan and the fantastically clean topside of this car deserves to continue its lifelong streak of being garaged. And of course, you won't be alone in your endeavors. There are numerous national clubs that are all about vintage Mercedes and other German cars. Regardless of your need or not for a new social circle, just being alone with this car is enough satisfaction. She is a solid beauty.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
