Mercedes-Benz perfected the German luxury car recipe with the S-Class, a model that’s been around since 1954, and gained the ‘S’ moniker in 1972, with the W116 being the first to carry this hallowed letter. The preceding three generations weren’t explicitly badged ‘S’, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have the pedigree, in fact, they laid the groundwork for a formula that has served Mercedes-Benz superbly to this date. What we’ve got here is a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE from New York with a healthy 107,000 miles behind it, which is reportedly an all-original car except for the tires, brakes, and windshield. Two keys are included in the sale, as are books and manuals.

Exterior and Interior

Wearing lines penned by Paul Bracq and Friedrich Geiger, the W108/109 model designation, to which this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE belongs, ran from 1965 to 1972. This example wears a lovely dark green exterior and rolls on beautiful period Mercedes-Benz rims with the center caps proudly displaying the ‘Star’. All chrome work and badges are present and correct, and the twin exhaust pipes at the rear add a hint of sportiness to this comfort cruiser. All in, this car carries an air of majesty that will turn heads wherever you go. A new windshield was installed in 2021. The interior features a brown color scheme that is a great complement to the green exterior, and it looks in great condition too. This example has power windows, air conditioning, and the original Becker radio which reportedly still works! The driver grips the signature Mercedes-Benz thin-rimmed steering wheel with a chrome horn ring, although it’s said that the horn needs to be reconnected. You’ve also got a heater, rear armrest, and the original toolkit is included in the boot, with the spare wheel.

Engine

The W108/W109 series came with several in-line six and V8 engines on offer, which were carbureted, or fuel injected and sent to drive the rear wheels via manual or automatic transmissions. This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE is powered by a 2.8L M130 in-line six-cylinder engine featuring mechanical Bosch fuel injection, that sends 158hp and 177lb-ft to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. These cars were quite sprightly for their time and weight, reaching sixty from rest in under 11 seconds and going on to nearly 120mph when new. Suspension is via coil springs and shock absorbers all around. Braking is via discs on all wheels.