1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SE W108

Highlights

• Original factory spec, confirmed by original factory document
• Imported from South Africa in 2022
• Rich maroon exterior with contrasting tan interior
• Original Behr air conditioning and halogen fog lamps
• Original factory-specified four-speed manual gearbox
• Extensive work undertaken exceeding £10,300, including restoration and refurb

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE is one of the most refined saloons of its era, pairing the marque's legendary build quality with a smooth 2.8-litre straight-six engine. Equipped with its original factory-specified four-speed manual gearbox, this example offers a more engaging driving experience, allowing the driver to fully appreciate the character of Mercedes-Benz’s renowned 2.8-litre straight-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. Combined with its elegant styling, refined engineering and distinctive specification, it represents an appealing example of this celebrated classic saloon

This 1973 example was imported from South Africa in 2022 and wears a distinctive maroon exterior that suits the car’s elegant proportions well. Popping up for sale in 2022, the car was purchased from Car & Classic and has remained with the same family since. Rather than resting on its laurels, it's also seen extensive restoration work, exceeding £10,300 of investment.
Still carrying its original Behr AC and Halogen fog lamps, it's a resplendent result - a real time capsule car that's loaded with lesser-spotted features and has been subject to plenty of work, including a new clutch, bodywork repairs and a full repaint, all true-to-factory and ready to impress its lucky new keeper.

Key Information

• Mileage: 66,229 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from South Africa in 2022)
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 2.8-litre straight-six petrol, four-speed manual gearbox
• Paperwork: V5C, South African title and collection of invoices

The Detail

• Work undertaken in the current ownership includes:
  • June 2023: Engine inspection, tappet adjustment and throttle linkage maintenance by Mercedes-Benz specialist (£200)
  • July 2023: Power steering repairs, alternator refurbishment and general mechanical maintenance by Mercedes-Benz specialist (£1,389)
  • December 2023: New clutch fitted (parts purchase receipt available)
  • July 2024: Cylinder head removal, cleaning and head gasket replacement, alongside engine servicing by Mercedes-Benz specialist (£1,070.78)
  • September 2025: (£7,500) cosmetic restoration and refurbishment, including minor localised bodywork repairs, repaint in original maroon colour and interior retrimming
  • August 2026: Engine inspection, spark plug cleaning and ignition checks by Mercedes-Benz specialist (£150)
• Total documented expenditure exceeds £10,300, excluding the December 2023 clutch replacement
• The first UK registered keeper was the individual who imported and registered the vehicle
• Subsequently purchased the vehicle through a Car & Classic auction in June 2022
• The vehicle has therefore remained within the same family since its purchase through Car & Classic auction in June 2022
• Original factory-specified four-speed manual gearbox
• Factory Behr air-conditioning system
• Factory-specified halogen fog lamps
• Power-assisted steering
• Original right-hand-drive specification
• Original factory tool kit and jack included with the vehicle
• Brightwork in good overall order
• White wall tyres fitted
• Minor localised bodywork repairs and cosmetic touch-ups undertaken in 2025
• Underside in good order, with minor localised repairs carried out where required
• Tan interior cleaned and refitted in 2025
• Instruments clean and legible
• The vendor reports that the car is in fine mechanical health

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.