RESERVE LOWERED - 1984 Mercedes 280 SE

Guide price: £7,500-£10,000

・Under 43,000 proven miles
・Exceptional, highly original, garaged condition
・Full service history plus every MOT document since ‘87

The Background


This car’s 12-year production cycle began in 1979, making the Mercedes W126 S-Class the most successful of all S-Class cars by a comfortable margin. It attracted an enormous customer base, ranging from the doctor living next door, to the world’s most famous faces: Michael Jackson, Ayrton Senna and Freddie Mercury to name just a few. It was the definitive 80’s luxury car, both to drive and to be seen in.
The product of the Italian designer, Bruno Sacco, the W126 was – and still is - a magnificently handsome, classy vehicle and has become symbolic of Mercedes-Benz’s over-engineered qualities from this time. A time when Mercedes built their cars to the ultimate specification, rather than to a budget. With this S-Class being the company’s flagship model, it was among the most luxurious saloons that money could buy, with its ethos and design cues filtering down across Mercedes' entire range during this era.
The car in question, is the more desirable ‘SE’ version, powered by a capable 6 cylinder 2.8-litre engine with an automatic gearbox.

The History


This particular car must be one of the lowest mileage examples on the road today, covering just under 43,000 miles from new.
The original owner purchased the car directly from Germany in order to avoid the ever-growing UK waiting list. As was the case in those days, she used an agency to bring it into the county, requiring them to register it in their name and thus why you’ll find them in the logbook for just 20 days. As such, the first true owner purchased the car in November 1984 and – reaching her 80’s – decided to sell it onto the current owner in 2011.
The current owner purchased the car with the intention to use it as his daily car, however quickly realised that due to its garage-kept, dry-use only life up until then, that it was much too nice for that purpose. Instead, the car was returned to garaged storage and was used only sparingly on dry days. Unfortunately, the circumstances of the owner now mean that the large garage he was using to store this W126 in is no longer available and therefore feels it right to pass the car onto a new owner rather than leave it to face the elements for the first time in its life.

The Paperwork


A glut of paperwork is supplied with the vehicle: from the original brochure and owner’s manual, to the handbook for the original Blaupunkt radio. The seller has evidence of MOT history from 1987 and a full service history for this totally unmolested vehicle. 

The Interior


In truly immaculate, time-capsule condition, the interior presents as you’d expect from a car with such a low mileage reading and cherished history. Upon start-up there are no dashboard warning lights present and all of the electrics – including the sunroof - work as you’d expect with exception of one sticky rear window.

To the owner’s knowledge, the only occasion when the rear seats have been occupied is on his daughter’s wedding day as she was driven to the church. The large door ashtrays remain unused and the seats spotless.

With the only deviation from the standard equipment being a Bluetooth head unit, this truly feels like taking a step back inside the 80’s. Of course, the owner has retained the original Blaupunkt radio. The vast boot houses an original spare wheel, along with the furry seat covers which the lady owner before added and which the seller doesn’t have the heart to bin!

The Exterior


The original, light ivory (termed Hellelfinbein by Mercedes) paint shines beautifully and the bodywork beneath it presents in exceptional condition. Two small paint chips can be spotted on either A pillar, though with their aluminium construction this presents no rust concern.
Elsewhere, the condition continues to impress with no damage, no visible signs of corrosion on the very clean underside and deep treaded tires. Those with a particular eye for attention may spot two of the engine grille slats being slightly bent out of shape though this appears to be easily remedied. 
Much like the interior, the outside of the car is totally original barring the addition of a very expensive stainless steel exhaust system. Custom built to be in-keeping with the styling of the original, this is difficult to call a modification, instead a rather high-end piece of maintenance. 

The Mechanics


Though not experienced first-hand, the owner testifies that the car drives without fault and as you waft along, will easily forget that you’re driving a vehicle nearing 40 years old. The car did start up and run nicely for the duration it was photographed, 

The Appeal


The W126 is an era-defining car and an icon of the German manufacturers obsessive, incredibly well-built range. This example must be among the best remaining of them and with its striking looks, impressive history and smooth engine, it makes this a hugely desirable modern classic.
Just try and find a modern saloon that oozes quite so much luxury as this for anything close to its guide price.

Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1984
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model 280SE
  • Colour White
  • Odometer 43,000 Miles
  • Engine size 2746
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Essex
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
17 bids
  • TC•••• £7,800 30/04/21
  • ph•••• £7,700 30/04/21
  • Ta•••• £7,600 30/04/21
  • TC•••• £7,500 29/04/21
  • su•••• £7,400 29/04/21
  • TC•••• £7,300 29/04/21
  • ti•••• £7,200 29/04/21
  • ph•••• £7,100 29/04/21
  • Go•••• £7,000 27/04/21
  • ph•••• £6,900 26/04/21
Message C&C Auction Team

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