MarketPlace: 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280S
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1975
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 280S
- VIN: 11602012038892
- Mileage Shown: 28,585
- Transmission: Automatic
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Astral Silver Metallic
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Walnut, CA 91789
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0061067-MP
Among the first Mercedes-Benz models to officially carry the “S-Class” designation, the W116 was produced from 1972 through 1980 and introduced a new corporate styling direction for the marque. This 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280S is finished in Astral Silver Metallic over blue MB-Tex upholstery and was reportedly acquired new by the original family as a gift from Werner Niefer, who would later serve as Chairman of the Board for Mercedes-Benz from 1989 to 1993. Showing fewer than 29k miles on the odometer, this 280S was purchased by the seller from the original owning family and is now being offered for auction out of California.
This 280S is finished in Astral Silver Metallic. Equipment includes fog lights, a driver’s side mirror, anodized aluminum trim, fender flares, a power antenna, and 14” steel wheels with body-colored hubcaps wrapped in older Sentury Touring tires. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin presents blue MB-Tex upholstery with matching carpets and a tan headliner. Equipment includes a sunroof, a four-spoke steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, power windows, a Becker AM/FM radio, and a locking glovebox. The seller notes the central locking system is currently inoperable.
Power comes from a 2.7-liter M110 inline-six factory-rated at 120 HP and 143 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. In 2018, at approximately 27,600 miles, over $18k in work was performed, including removal and refresh of the engine and transmission, as well as resealing of the rear differential. The seller notes the air conditioning system was updated with a modern compressor and remains fully functional. The original mechanical fuel pump was also upgraded to an electric unit.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, a spare tire, and a battery charger.
The seller would like you to know: “This car is being offered directly out of an Estate sale. It’s been a one-owner all its life. It’s a true Time Capsule. This original 50-year-old car appears to have just rolled off the assembly line. It comes with a clear, signed-off Arizona title. It has been kept in a warm, dry, enclosed area for its entire life. It starts right up and runs fantastically. It’s slow to take off, but plenty of power on the road. Very smooth ride.”
Comments (0)
@Jalanjalan I can’t say enough about this car. It’s like new condition inside and out. It’s a true only 28,500 mile car. The gentleman that had it treated it like it was his best friend. I was very impressed with the A/C. The entire system was upgraded to the new type and blows very cold. I tested it last week in SoCal in the middle of the day when we were in a severe heat-wave and it works great through all vents. The car is big and heavy. It’s slow to take off like most Mercedes Benz Diesel cars buy once your up to 20 to 25 oh it just wants to keep going and drives like you’re floating on a soft but solid cloud. The power door lock work sometimes. I read about them and discovered that this was a common problem with years models. It could be as simple as a compression device on the car, a single leak that could be found in minutes or could take hours to find. Other that that it has no issues at all.
@S.tielens Greetings! I'm interested in this car as my dear old mom had the exact same model in the same color back in the day. It was truly an excellent cruising vessel and the ride was awesome. I'd like a very concise explaination of all the know issues and investigations into the HVAC please. I saw the video with cold air from center vents, but no indication as to the side vents or the volume of air expelled. Also in the receipts an issue with a vacuum leak buried somwhere in the dash. I live in Orlando and a less than fully functional a/c is not an option! Thanks for clarifying all this and GLWTA. Its certainly worth well above the current bid looking at prior sales of this model
Good Monday morning, everyone.
This one-owner W116 has a great backstory—but more than anything, it’s an absolute time capsule. Crisp is the best word to describe it. The wood trim is straight and clear, the dash pad is soft with no discoloration or cracks, and the seats are supple. (MB-Tex usually holds up well but tends to stiffen over time—this one hasn’t.) The rear seat does need to be restuffed, as the pleats have lost their filling.
The paint is bright and clear, and the trim is in equally nice condition. Other than addressing the heater valve and replacing the tires, it’s ready to be driven and enjoyed.
This car isn’t perfect, but it’s the nicest example I’ve ever encountered “in the wild”—meaning not at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart or the Classic Center in California.
For those with deep MB knowledge: I’d encourage you not to apply your expertise too quickly without seeing this car in person. I’ve been in MB repair and service since 1995 and am happy to get as technical as you’d like. If you look through my past sales, you’ll see I only represent top-tier examples.
This W116 spent the last 30 or so years in Tucson, stored in a climate-controlled garage. Prior to that, it lived in upstate New York. It was used sparingly and well maintained over the years. I’m currently trying to track down the service records, but the estate is processing a house full of “treasures”, so they understandably have other priorities.
Yes, the M110 engine isn’t a powerhouse—but let’s be honest, no Mercedes of this era was (6.9 excepted). Personally, I’d 113K-swap this car. Purists may disagree, but it’s an elegant and practical upgrade.
It will be in my showroom by the end of the day. If you’re serious, I highly recommend coming to see it in person.
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Bid in the amount of $7,500
@Bankrep40 the original owners manual including the original metal I.D. Plate is there but unfortunately, the medical kit is missing.
Do you books and Manual ? Is there a first aid kit in the rear window
Bid in the amount of $5,250
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Bid in the amount of $3,590
Bid in the amount of $2,500
Bid in the amount of $1,975