Mercedes-Benz S280 Automatic

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Launched at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, the W140-Class was the new flagship S Class range from Mercedes and remained in production until 1998.

Costing over $1bn to develop, work on this top-of-the-range model started as early as 1981 but it took a full 10 years for the design to see the light of day, largely due to the ambitious requirements set for the model. Designed by Olivier Boulay to outclass rivals such as the Jaguar XJ40 and the E32 7-Series BMW, the W140 introduced innovations such as optional double-pane window glazing, power-assisted closing for doors and boot lid, computerized traction control, hydropneumatic suspension, electric windows which lowered back down upon encountering an obstruction, sonar-assisted parking and a heating system which, if desired, continued to emit warm air after the engine was turned off.

It came in a range of body styles ranging from a two-door coupe to a long wheelbase limousine, engines ranging from an economical DOHC 4-valve per cylinder 2.8-litre 6-cylinder to a mighty 389bhp 6-litre V12. Despite costing 25% more than its predecessor it was a roaring success, the new S Class continuing the firm’s reputation for supreme comfort and rock solid build quality with over 430,000 finding customers – a colossal sales achievement.

Dating from June 1998, this very late model S280 has had just three owners from new and has covered only 62,030 miles with five service stamps (three Mercedes-Benz and two specialist), the last at 62,022 miles in July this year. The specification includes: double glazing; soft closing doors and boot-lid; electric heated seats; climate control; CD player; folding electric mirrors; ABS; cruise control; full unmarked leather interior in cream with matching carpets and overmats.

The sparkling blue/black metallic paintwork has been scanned for paint thickness and proved to be totally uniform and original with no rust, which is very rare for these cars. Said to drive superbly with an MOT until June 2016 with no advisories recorded, it also benefits from a recent new set of tyres and comes with all its handbooks and two sets of keys. Rated by the vendor as “the best W140 I have ever seen”, it looks like a lot of car for a very modest outlay.