RESERVE LOWERED: 1974 MERCEDES-BENZ (W116) 280 S

KEY FACTS

• This two-owner 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 S is a largely original example of the first model to officially be known as the ‘S-Class’.
• A 160hp 2.8-litre straight-six Mercedes M110 engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
• Reported to be driving well, it is straight and solid, but is ripe for some straightforward cosmetic improvement.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The W116 generation Mercedes-Benz was the model to be officially called the S-Class, and is a significant precursor not just to the marque’s own current crop of luxury vehicles, but also to almost every other premium limousine as well. It set numerous benchmarks for engineering and design, and is renowned as a robust modern classic.
• It was a pioneer of technologies such as a reinforced passenger cell with impact-absorbing crumple zones, and later examples also featured full electronic anti-lock brakes.
• An aftermarket Sony head unit has been installed, and the car sits on lowered springs, but is otherwise understood to be unmodified.

CONDITION

• Overall, bodywork and external trim is in good condition, with the chrome bumpers and side mouldings not showing any signs of significant accident damage.
• There is a minor scrape running along the passenger side rear guard by the boot, but the overall shape and fit of the panel and surrounds is unaffected.
• Its white paintwork is presentable, though has some cracking and discolouration as documented in the photographs
• The upholstery presents well for its age, and is in good to fair condition with the door cards and roof lining fitting well. There is some cracking in the dash, a split in the stitching of the centre console, and some wear around the window winder of the rear driver’s side passenger seat.
• All electronics and gauges work as they should. The owner notes that the Mercedes can take a while to start in cold weather, but performs faultlessly once warm.
• The car passed a roadworthy inspection on 10 May 2021 first time with no issues.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The previous owner had the car serviced 11 months ago, also performing routine engine oil and filter changes.
• Since that time it has been in storage and only basic maintenance has been required.

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz 280 S is a well-preserved and original example of the flagship sedan of its era. Still driving and running well nearly five decades on from its construction, it is a great example of the engineering, component and construction quality of a model referred to as “the most underrated generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class”.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.