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2017 Shannons Sydney Summer Classic Auction & Rare Number Plates
Lot
16

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Saloon

$45,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 3500cc
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Body Work Sedan
Colour Silver
Interior Red
Trim MB-Tex
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

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 an alloy 3-litre six, followed by the limited production 300 SEL 6.3 in 1967. In 1968 the 250 was updated to the 280 and offered in carburettor (S) or fuel-injected (SE) versions, while the final – and for many pundits best – W108/109 variant was the flagship 3.5, which arrived in late 1969. Featuring Daimler-Benz’s ‘small block’ M116 bent eight, the 3.5 boasted Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection and a four-speed automatic transmission (using a fluid coupling) as standard equipment, although a manual gearbox was available on request. The conventionally suspended W108 model employed coil springs with double wishbones and a stabiliser bar up front and a swing axle system (with radius arms) at the rear, along with powerful disc brakes all round. On the longer wheelbase 280SEL, power steering was standard and an electric sunroof was part of the extensive list of optional equipment. Beautifully engineered, the S-class was years ahead of the competition and well-kept examples are can still be found being used as daily drivers.