Highlights
- Fantastic interior
- Metalwork restored
- Running and driving
The Appeal
This Mercedes has been with the current owner since 1983 and during that time has been treated to a restoration as can be seen in the photo gallery below.
It’s been used sparingly since then and the owner has continued to develop the car gradually over their ownership. During the restoration all the metalwork was completed and any corrosion removed and replaced, more details of the rebuild are given in the next section.
The owner has decided to move the car on now due to lack of use and downsizing.
It’s been used sparingly since then and the owner has continued to develop the car gradually over their ownership. During the restoration all the metalwork was completed and any corrosion removed and replaced, more details of the rebuild are given in the next section.
The owner has decided to move the car on now due to lack of use and downsizing.
The History and Paperwork
- Photo documentation of the restoration
- Current V5 in the owner’s name
- Old MOT certificates
- Various invoices for parts
The car was rebuilt in 1995, replacing the front and rear wings, outer sills and jacking points, rear wheel arches, doors, boot lid and both boot wells.
The interior was also retrimmed and all chrome trim was re-chromed with new wheel hub caps fitted. Front and rear screens along with roof lining, seals and edgings were all replaced.
The car no longer has its sliding roof section as this was welded up and the whole car was resprayed from Silver to Ivory.
From 1995 to 2014 the car was in storage and during that time it has had a water pump, chain tensioner, steering box and linkage replaced. The mileage before restoration was 170,000 and the average annual mileage since has been 500.
The interior was also retrimmed and all chrome trim was re-chromed with new wheel hub caps fitted. Front and rear screens along with roof lining, seals and edgings were all replaced.
The car no longer has its sliding roof section as this was welded up and the whole car was resprayed from Silver to Ivory.
From 1995 to 2014 the car was in storage and during that time it has had a water pump, chain tensioner, steering box and linkage replaced. The mileage before restoration was 170,000 and the average annual mileage since has been 500.
The history file for the Mercedes whilst not enormous, does come with all the vital documentation needed.
Cars like these have been passion projects for the owner over a long period of time and not every receipt for every small part is kept. The paperwork does however show a new centre section of exhaust was fitted as well as x3 front steering rods.
It also contains past MOT certificates and the registration document for the car from the DVLA.
Cars like these have been passion projects for the owner over a long period of time and not every receipt for every small part is kept. The paperwork does however show a new centre section of exhaust was fitted as well as x3 front steering rods.
It also contains past MOT certificates and the registration document for the car from the DVLA.
The Interior
- Luxuriously comfortable seats
- Blue fabric trim is in good condition
- Wooden trim highlights for added luxury
The interior is a fantastic place to be and a stark contrast to the exterior colour, the blue fabric trim is in good condition with the carpets and headlining also being in fantastic condition.
The dash is made of wood and is free from any damage or splintering, the wood on the top of the dashboard has some lacquer cracking, however we rather think this suits the aesthetic of the car, it certainly doesn’t detract from the feel of the interior.
Steering wheel and other major touch points in the car are free from excessive wear and the clocks are all reported working whilst looking wonderfully period.
The only thing we can see in the interior that might not be up to scratch is the minor section of cushioning on the back of the front passenger headrest which has come away from its stitching. A small repair would render it good as new.
The dash is made of wood and is free from any damage or splintering, the wood on the top of the dashboard has some lacquer cracking, however we rather think this suits the aesthetic of the car, it certainly doesn’t detract from the feel of the interior.
Steering wheel and other major touch points in the car are free from excessive wear and the clocks are all reported working whilst looking wonderfully period.
The only thing we can see in the interior that might not be up to scratch is the minor section of cushioning on the back of the front passenger headrest which has come away from its stitching. A small repair would render it good as new.
The Exterior
- Chrome brightwork in good condition
- Great condition wheels
- Lots of glass for excellent visibility
The exterior of the Mercedes is both beautiful and intimidating, the quad headlights give a sense of safety and style, and the wheels are perfectly formed to fill out the arches.
The bodylines are all within tolerance, the owner did mention about the driver’s side back door fitment, but it did not affect the opening and closing of the door and doesn’t look as bad as some of the factory built British cars of the day for example.
The front passenger side moulding is present with the car, in the boot but the fittings for the strip are too small for the holes, with some larger push fittings the strip would easily be attached securely to the wing.
The car is quite a large model but it's built to perfectly suit its proportions and it certainly stands out in terms of style to most things on the road today.
Extra note, the owner reports that they have a spare boot lid for the car that will be included in the sale.
The bodylines are all within tolerance, the owner did mention about the driver’s side back door fitment, but it did not affect the opening and closing of the door and doesn’t look as bad as some of the factory built British cars of the day for example.
The front passenger side moulding is present with the car, in the boot but the fittings for the strip are too small for the holes, with some larger push fittings the strip would easily be attached securely to the wing.
The car is quite a large model but it's built to perfectly suit its proportions and it certainly stands out in terms of style to most things on the road today.
Extra note, the owner reports that they have a spare boot lid for the car that will be included in the sale.
The Mechanics
- Smooth 3.5L V8 power
- Swing axle hydraulic damper replaced with a spring
- Very minor fluid leak on steering pump pipe connection
The big 3.5L V8 in the Mercedes pumped out a modest 197 bhp which was more than enough to waft the luxury sedan along at comfortable speeds.
The unit in this car was in good, reported condition and indeed on the photoshoot, it fired up eagerly and idled with a quiet civility whilst also giving a nice note from the twin rear exit exhausts when revved.
Looking underneath the long bonnet, the engine looked to be in good condition, no signs of fluid leaks or perished rubber pipes or exposed wires.
Car’s suspension and drivetrain was also reported to be in good condition and in the short distance the car was moved to for the photos there were no unwanted or worrying noises heard from the car.
The owner reports the engine, gearbox and drivetrain to be in excellent condition with the swing axle hydraulic damper being replaced with a spring.
Additional items included with the sale consist of, two rear road springs, timing chain, remote central locking (which is already fitted), ineffective rear screen heater disconnected and replaced with fan demister.
The unit in this car was in good, reported condition and indeed on the photoshoot, it fired up eagerly and idled with a quiet civility whilst also giving a nice note from the twin rear exit exhausts when revved.
Looking underneath the long bonnet, the engine looked to be in good condition, no signs of fluid leaks or perished rubber pipes or exposed wires.
Car’s suspension and drivetrain was also reported to be in good condition and in the short distance the car was moved to for the photos there were no unwanted or worrying noises heard from the car.
The owner reports the engine, gearbox and drivetrain to be in excellent condition with the swing axle hydraulic damper being replaced with a spring.
Additional items included with the sale consist of, two rear road springs, timing chain, remote central locking (which is already fitted), ineffective rear screen heater disconnected and replaced with fan demister.
Summary
The Mercedes 280 SE looks fantastic and this one has had a lot of love and care over the years, after looking after the car for such a long time, the owners have decided to pass it on so that it could be used more frequently.
We’re sure it will find a good home here to someone who can give it the miles it desires.
We’re sure it will find a good home here to someone who can give it the miles it desires.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
