1980 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE

This lovely W116 in Hansa Blue with tan MB Tex has just come out of 31-year ownership and unusually remains in original, unrestored condition.

Supplied new in the UK in 1980, making it one of the last of the W116 S-Class, finished in mid ‘Hansa’ blue with tan MB Tex trim – an unusual but very attractive combination. It has an automatic gearbox, central locking, power steering and Mexican Hat alloy wheels. The car had a ‘dealer fit’ air conditioning conversion when new or early in its life, which is all complete but not connected up. At some stage the front windows were converted from manual operation to ‘Servoglide’ electric.

The last owner bought the car in 1994 from a friend of his who’d owned it since ’88. The Mercedes was their special car and used for big trips, including several to see family in Italy. It was always garaged when not used and was last used in 2015 for his daughter’s wedding. From then it remained under sheets in the garage.

Since acquiring we have recommissioned it; refurbishing the wheels, fitting new tyres, rebuilding the brakes and carried out a service.

On the road it’s a delight, the 2.8-litre six is eager, the transmission lovely and smooth and the suspension glides over the bumps. The whole car feels very tight and together.

What really makes this W116 unusual is the condition of the body. Most of these cars were rotten by the time they were 15 years old, and most we see today are in a poor shape and heavily repaired, even if they look ok from the outside. This car has never been welded and is incredibly solid and original underneath. It has never been restored, has not had any paintwork for decades, if ever, and is just a very well-preserved example, which is such a rare thing today.

The interior is equally good with none of the usual heat damage. There’s no wear to the MB Tex trim and no dashboard cracks. Again, thanks to being well garaged, it’s unusually good.

All the chromes are in good condition too.

Eligible for historic tax class, and can be changed over at point of sale, making it ULEZ exempt, tax exempt and MoT exempt. However we have submitted it for MoT in any case, which it passed with no advisories.

If you’re looking for a really solid and original W116 there are very few to choose from, but this car might well be perfect.