1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W108) |

Sold

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W108)

Sold Price

£12,190

Mileage~45,000
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine2.8-litre
LocationLondon

SOLD

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W108)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Professional Consigner

The 280 SE is a big, beautiful, and hand-built classic that's just oozing with character.

The 280 SE (W108 as it's known internally) was styled by Paul Bracq - he managed to bridge the gap from the Benzes of old to the modern cars of the '80s.

All the 280 models were powered by the M130 2.8-litre inline-six engine - this one features a smooth four-speed gearbox, disc brakes all around, and a great amount of history.

This example has been owned and enjoyed by Bal for the previous 5 years. Over that time he's fitted a new Bluetooth system, alternator and battery - he loves the classic good looks the car offers. The car benefited from a refurbished engine in 1989 and is considered usable as an everyday classic.

As you'll see from the images and videos, the car does need some attention - could it be your ideal improvement project for this summer.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Bal the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

They don't build them like this anymore - I think it has to be one of the most beautiful Mercedes to date.

As mentioned, Bal purchased this 280 SE 5 years ago - the uniqueness of this hand-built classic Mercedes really attracted him. Bal loves the character and retro styling with its red leather seats and white steering wheel.

Over his ownership, Bal has installed a cut-off switch to stop the battery draining, along with a new alternator. He mentions it's very enjoyable to drive and he always gets a lot of positive attention whenever he takes it out.

Bal will be happy to answer any of your questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

Bal

Vehicle Owner

Bal saved £2,160* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The curvaceous shape of the car is quite special with the addition of the sunroof - it's perhaps one of the most elegant cars to leave the Mercedes plant.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the classic Mercedes wheels and covered with the chrome trim, which has the body-colour background to the Mercedes-Benz badge. The chrome work appears nice and bright on each wheel of the car. Being picky, there are some very small curb marks are present.

The wheels are wrapped in Firestone F-580 dated 2002, except the front nearside which is wrapped in Commerical Centara - all the tyres have a good amount of tread left - although they are 20 years old now.

Bodywork

The bodywork represents the age and mileage of the car. Generally, the bodywork appears straight and true, shut lines look even and doors, bonnet, and boot all open and close cleanly and precisely.

While capturing the bodywork up close we did notice some chipping to the front bonnet, a few scratches along with the hood, and some areas that would benefit from repair. The most notable area is the rear passenger's door.

We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the bodywork condition for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a deep and glossy black, the colour really suits the shape and class of the car. The paint looks even in colour and coverage for the age. We did notice some areas of bubbling on the doors, A-pillar, and more noticeable flaking on the bonnet and rear offside wing. The car would benefit from a respray.

Again, the images taken are from different angles and reflections to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. Please take the time to fully assess the condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass on the Mercedes looks to all be in good condition, with no obvious wear or discolouration that we could see. The chrome trim around the windows is bright with some slight signs of corrosion, more noticeable on the rear bumper.

The nearside chrome wing mirror is present and just requires fixing onto the car.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

With the red leather seats, retro steering wheel and gear stick - the interior is where this car really shines.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition for their age, the red leather pairs very well with the gloss black exterior, and shows character through its subtle crease marks.

The door cards, carpets, and headling are matching - overall a lovely interior.

We've taken photos and videos for an in-depth look at this interior, take a look to view the interior for yourself.

Dashboard

A simple and elegant three-dial setup. The dashboard looks to be good with one very minor crack. The instruments are in good working order, with the odometer reading ~46,508 on our visit.

The bezels on the instruments are nice and clean - the wood veneer appears in good condition too with some very slight cracking, which only adds to the character and originality of the car.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

One large Mercedes wheel makes maneuvering this land yacht very easy and is an extra safety measure allowing drivers to operate the car if the power steering were to fail.

The steering wheel looks to be the original white one and is in line with the age and mileage of the car along with the gear stick.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 2.8-litre block provides the perfect blend of power and usability in this large land yacht.

Engine and Gearbox

All the 280 models were powered by the M130 2.8-litre inline-six engine, this one features a smooth four-speed gearbox, the paperwork shows a reconditioned engine was fitted in 1989 which had 10,526 miles on it.

Bal reports the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth four-speed auto gearbox powering the wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around town, and for a closer look underneath.

Suspension and Brakes

Bal confirms brakes and suspension work exactly as they should. The car stops evenly and cleanly as can be seen in the 'On The Road' video.

The Drive

When you jump in this 280 SE you know you're driving something very special, the charming interior and gentle hum from the M130 engine provides a sweet soundtrack on every journey.

Bal has really enjoyed his ownership over the past 5 years, he'll be sad to see it go, but mentions it's time for it to go to someone who will appreciate it as much as he has.

Electrics and Other

This 1970s model boasted luxurious features far ahead of its time, such as the automatic 4-speed gearbox.

The switches and dials all appear in good condition and Bal confirms all electrics work as they should to his knowledge.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

A genuinely charming and usable motor, that will transport you back to the golden '70s.

This car is coming out of 5 years of ownership with Bal - he's thoroughly enjoyed using the car as a usable classic over his ownership. The car is MOT exempt, however, the last one was carried out in 2019, it makes for a genuine example with just some small areas for the new owner to attend to, bringing it back to its former glory.

Bal will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about the car in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
24.04.2019	MOT	45,686
23.08.2017	MOT	45,444
26.08.2016	MOT	44,577
29.04.2015	MOT	44,560
18.04.2013	MOT	44,473
29.05.2012	MOT	43,976
23.06.2011	MOT	43,562
14.06.2010	MOT	43,156
08.06.2009	MOT	42,758
17.05.2008	MOT	42,053
12.05.2007	MOT	41,123
19.05.2006	MOT	40,120