1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE

Registration No: AWW 371K
Chassis No: 10801812098441
MOT: April 2024

• Desirable Mercedes-Benz 280SE with a charming story
• Reportedly owned by two families and the current keeper from new
• Subject to in excess of £11,000 in expenditure shortly after its import to the UK in 2021

The Paul Bracq-designed W108/109 Series Mercedes-Benz Saloons manufactured from 1965 to 1972 replaced the top end models of the `Fintail' era. The series, known for its innovative technology and timeless design was initially powered with the engine line-up based on that of the outgoing W111 model, but in 1968, the 2.5-litre unit was superseded by a 2.8-litre version that delivered 160bhp in the Bosch fuel-injected 280SE. Available with either a four-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, the car's advanced features, such as air suspension, power-assisted steering, and four-wheel disc brakes, were considered cutting-edge for the time and contributed to its reputation for exceptional performance and ride comfort. The 280SE's classic styling, characterized by its elongated hood and understated appearance, has since become an iconic design element that continues to captivate car enthusiasts to this day.

A final year example presented in the attractive colour combination of Dark Blue with Black leather interior, this particular car was first delivered to Greece in 1972 and registered with its first owners. The story, as it goes, is that the car remained with them in Greece for a number of years until they moved to France. The car, however, would not be left. It was shipped over to Nice and subsequently registered there, where it would remain in the family; eventually being sold by the children via a garage to its previous owners; a lady and her mother who had wanted to own one for years.

The previous keepers owned the car for a number of years in France, where it was maintained and enjoyed for activities including driving to market, for use as an occasional taxi for their three dogs and for general day to day use. After the owners moved to the UK, the car was once again not forgotten, and was brought over in May 2021 and registered on 1^st September of the same year. Shortly after, ‘AWW 371K’ was subject to extensive mechanical works with the Classic Project Shop and Stantlake Vehicle Services including servicing with replacement spark plugs, an interior re-fresh including replacement speakers and stereo, the interior re-coloured/repaired, some carpet repairs, the dashboard re-covered and more. As well as this, the gearbox mounts were replaced, power steering overhauled, replacement distributor, Bosch coil and leads fitted along with a replacement stainless steel exhaust system. At the same time, the car was also subject to extensive minor fettling such as various seals and trim replacement, the fitting of an ignition starter button, wiring repairs, driveshaft seals, wing mirror replacement, seat belt replacement etc. These works totalled in excess of £11,000.

‘AWW 371K’ was acquired by the current owner in December 2022. Having been enjoyed over the Christmas period, the vehicle is now offered for sale along with a number of other vehicles to help fund a larger purchase. Now showing c.89,000 miles on the odometer, unfortunately due to lost documentation, there is little to corroborate the story or the mileage. Some documentation does remain, however, from the car’s time in France. As well as this, a Mercedes-Benz build certificate does confirm the car was first registered in Greece, and a collection of invoices for works undertaken in the UK, as well as some MOT certificates are included. Also included with the vehicle is shipping documentation to the UK, completed NOVA and import documents, a Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual with additional enlarged copy, a small collection of Mercedes-Benz Owner’s Club magazines, Greek and French registration plates and the V5C document which displays 1 former keeper.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now comes with an MOT valid until 16 April 2024

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762