Vehicle Description
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!
