Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1972 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1972

The first "S-class" Mercedes arrived in 1968 in the form of the 280S and 280SE which were large comfortable sports saloons offering powerful touring capabilities and luxurious interiors with space to seat five occupants. Known as W108/109 models, they were constructed on 108 inch wheelbase and the new S-Class saloons were much heavier than earlier models. The styling was updated using a thoroughly modern design featuring the attractive stacked layout of the headlights which was popular during the period. Although the 280 was usually powered by a 2.8 litre straight six engine, Mercedes-Benz rather confusingly added a

Mercedes-Benz 280SE 1972

V8 engined 280SE to the model range. The 280SE 3.5 had a 3.5 L V8 engine and came with both automatic and manual transmission and power steering. These saloons were well equipped and extremely powerful. The 280SE 3.5 would reach a top-speed of 125mph and offered effortless high-speed cruising mated with supple ride comfort. Between 1971 and 1972 Mercedes-Benz produced 11,309 examples and they have always been popular with collectors and enthusiasts alike. The 300SE and 300SEL were especially well appointed, featuring burled walnut dashboards, automatic transmission and power windows. When the eight cylinder cars were introduced in 1970, the standard transmission was the four-speed automatic box driven via a fluid flywheel rather than the more conventional torque converter; however buyers could specify a four-speed manual gearbox.