1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL Saloon

Description

Replacing the Fintail saloons at the top of the Mercedes-Benz family, the W108/109 was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965. This was effectively the birth of the legendary S-class, a line that continues as the pinnacle of luxury motoring to this day. With sharp, modern styling by Paul Bracq, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths - the other significant difference between the W108 and W109 models being the complex self-levelling air suspension on the latter. Two engines were initially available, a 2.5-litre six-cylinder (either with carburettors or fuel injection) and the all alloy 3-litre six. In 1968 the 250 was updated to the 280 and offered in carburettor (S) or fuel-injected (SE) versions. The 2.8-litre SOHC six (codenamed M130 in Daimler-Benz parlance) was a refined unit, developing 160 bhp in fuel injected form and available with either four-speed automatic or manual transmissions. Suspension was via coil springs with double wishbones and a stabiliser bar up front and the swing axle system with radius arms at the rear, with disc brakes all round. On the longer wheelbase 280SEL power steering was standard and an electric sunroof joined an already extensive list of optional equipment. With advanced safety features and cutting edge technology, the S-class was years ahead of the competition and even today well-kept examples are regularly found as daily drivers.