Description
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1978 Mercedes-Benz 280SE (A) W116 Series
Being sold from my private collection of Continental and Classic cars, as I have ultimately made the decision to sell off my entire collection inventory, including my W116.
At the start of the 1970’s Mercedes-Benz was flying high, the successes of the outgoing W108, were remarkable, however, it was time for a new big Benz, the engineering department not only set out to design a new car, they had to design the worlds best luxury barge. The W116 was thus the very first Benz to officially carry the moniker, Sonderklasse or Special Class.
Not only in name was the new W116 S Class different to the venerable W108, but truly superior in every aspect, Mercedes-Benz had not only upped the stakes, they had built the benchmark for every new full-sized sedan to come for the next five decades.
Coming to the subject car, a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Automatic, has had only a single prior owner. Originally purchased new in 1978, by a Swedish Citizen, Dr Rolf Linnarsson, from Mercedes-Benz, Ellenby Motors in Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa.
Dr Linnarsson was a senior research fellow at the then CSIR, and worked in conjunction with a Swedish University on certain scientific studies, which had him based in Pretoria for six months of the year.
Dr Linnarsson owned the W116 for over 40 years, I was fortunate enough to purchase the car prior to his permanent relocation back to Sweden.
Aesthetically the S Class is a time warp, the exterior and interior present as new.
Having covered only 82000KM, this W116 is the closest thing to experiencing what first time S-Class buyers did, back in the early 70’s, it is like a new car.
The interior is just marvellous, the Bamboo hide is supple and smooth, the large orthopaedic seats offer the occupant a firm yet supportive seating position.
The dashboard and Zebrano woodgrain fascia are equally impressive, with the VDO Quartz clock still ticking the seconds away. The instrument cluster is clear and all vitals are today still accurately displayed. One can only but marvel at the way Germans used to build cars.
Apart from all the above, the cabin is airy and quiet, it has that proper Mercedes feel, and the sensory experience remains one of sober quality.
Factory fitted with air conditioning, vacuum central locking and Tempomat cruise control
Being an up-country car with only very limited and careful past use, the 280SE is totally rust and rot free, having spent the bulk of its life locked up in a garage at 1800M above sea level.
The Mercedes colour of Diamond Blue Metallic was an optional extra in 78, and what a great choice it was, today the paint work has a deep shine, thanks to many years of gentle hand polishing.
All glass, light lenses, bright work, trim and attachment parts are like new, spotless, and clean.
There is a set of 5 original option, Mercedes Bundt alloy wheels, all in a proper state of repair.
The boot area is equally impressive, with the original rubber covering over the spare wheel (also an alloy)
All hazard and emergency equipment are in tact and in a good state of function. Major recent work has been carried out on the W116 after being stored for over a decade;
Full major service
New Bilstein shock absorbers all round
Fuel tank clean and chemical treatment
Injector replacement
Fuel pump and filter
Radiator flush and replenish
Dunlop tyres all round, dated 2024
Suspension stabiliser linkages
Co2 set and full dynamic tune up performed
Getting behind the wheel of the 280SE and taking a drive is where the W116 proves just how good it really is. The suspension has an almost magic carpet smooth ride. The M110 2. 8 L6 engine loves to work in the mid to high rev range, delivering copious amounts of power via a 4 speed ZF automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
The car is beyond solid, and holds its own in any traffic or driving situation, composed and astute are words that spring to mind.
I can never get to say enough about a Mercedes W116, they are my absolute all time favourite, Mercedes have never again reached the same levels of quality or engineering as with the W116 Series.
Buying a classic Mercedes-Benz is a sober decision, made with the head, and not the heart, solid and reliable, the perfect choice to pack in the wife and kids and head for Continental Europe.
Can you afford not to own a W116 S-Class?
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