Mercedes-Benz 280S (W108)

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Introduced in 1965, the W108 Mercedes S-Class was hailed by contemporary motoring journalists as the finest luxury saloon in the world.

Built to a standard that other manufacturers could only gasp at, it set the benchmark for solid engineering. Allied to this bank vault solidity was an aura of restrained Teutonic opulence that made it an instant hit with the diplomatic corps from Moscow to Mombasa. The mix of chrome, wood and leather still oozes a 'cigars and champagne' class which will make you want to put on a dinner jacket every time you drive it!

Designed by Paul Bracq, it was initially fitted with a 2.5-litre straight-six producing 130bhp, but from 1967 a 2.8-litre option was offered producing 140bhp on carbs in the 280S. It had a top speed of 112mph and could accelerate to 60 from rest in 12 seconds.

By the time it was replaced by the W116 Series in 1972, some 93,666 280S models had been sold, of which the vast majority were LHD making the example offered here relatively rare.

Registered new in August 1973, this 280S appears to have spent some time overseas, perhaps in Europe. It has MOTs on file back to 1998 when it had covered 49,743 miles. There are plenty of bills and invoices on file along with the original handbooks and according to the Vendor the engine was replaced by Mercedes in 1991.

Purchased in 2002, it was in excellent order for its age but needed some recommissioning. After a period in storage, the restoration commenced in 2015 and at that stage it had covered 60,185 miles. It was treated to a new triple core radiator and hoses, some fuel pipes, brake hoses, a brake service and a complete engine service.  Tyres were replaced and the interior was retrimmed.  The car presents well; the colour combination of red exterior with cream interior looks great and still appears to be in excellent condition having had only two owners and covered only 60,313 miles.

The vendor intended it to be a “keeper”, but feels he isn’t using it as regularly as it deserves and with storage space becoming an issue, he has decided to offer it for sale. Overall it is in lovely condition for a 47 year old, two owner car. With so few RHD examples around, especially as nice as this one, you could be forgiven for being tempted.. go on!