HIGHLIGHTS
- Recent South African import, ready to register
- Six-cylinder auto flagship
- Smart Ivory leather interior
- Lovely condition throughout
- Rare twin cam engine, a real performance car
- The 280 6 cylinder was the top of the range car
- Superb example of a very rare Mercedes model that is on the button and running beautifully
THE APPEAL
Quite apart from their incredible build quality, there were several things that were significant about the timelessly solid Mercedes-Benz “W114” models, launched in 1968.
The cars were styled by Paul Bracq, who had previously designed the iconic ‘Pagoda’ roof Mercedes SLs, and the W114 featured a number of styling cues carried straight over from the iconic sports car, namely the fluted wheel arches and vertically stacked front headlamp lenses, along with its narrow A-pillars and steeply curved windscreen.
The W114 was also one of the most over-engineered cars ever made – delightfully simple ad wonderfully sturdy, yet at the same time brimming with class and prestige.
This example is a 1976 280 that has spent most of its life in South Africa until it was imported here this year. It’s the flagship of the W114 range, equipped with alloy wheels and a four-speed automatic transmission.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Imported from South Africa
- Built on Mercedes-Benz’s behalf by Car Distributors of East London in South Africa’s Cape Province
- Manufactured in 1976
- Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
- Requires first registration with DVLA – a straightforward process. The vendor is a former South African resident and is more than happy to assist with the registration process.
- Only 65000 miles
THE INTERIOR
- Original Ivory leatherette interior
- Excellent overall condition with no tears or damage, just some minor wear to driver’s side lower seat bolster
- Excellent condition dash, door cards, headlining and carpets
- Retro-styled modern USB/Bluetooth remote control stereo
- Original tools
- Later-style soft-finish steering wheel
- The dash is free from cracks or damage
- Aftermarket tailored floor mats
- Only the 6 cylinder cars had the walnut dashboard
- Extremely rare AIR CONDITIONING option - meaning a totally different dashboard
- Front head rests
THE EXTERIOR
- Original “Mercedes Dark Blue” colour scheme
- Repainted in original colour scheme
- Good front bumper and grille, with minor pitting
- Rear bumper has some surface corrosion and has been painted
- Apparently excellent underneath, with no signs of welding
- Very smart ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys with brand new tyres all-round
- Outstanding car with ZERO rust NOR has it ever had a rust repair
- Uber cool Bundt period correct alloy wheels - refurbished with brand new tyres
THE MECHANICS
- 2,778cc straight-six
- Four-speed automatic
- Starts and runs well holding good oil pressure and a steady temperature
- Freshly serviced and inspected by a classic car specialist ready for sale
- Standard power steering ( not offered on the 4 cylinder cars ) only found on the 280 sixes
SUMMARY
This is a handsome and well-presented car that epitomises the very best of Mercedes-Benz build quality from an era where it made some of the finest and best-engineered cars in the world.
In addition, this one is the flagship of the W114 range – a top-of-the-tree 280 model with those distinctive alloy wheels and the company’s proven and lively six-cylinder powertrain. A great example of the most desirable offering in the W114 model range.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.