280SE

1984 MERCEDES BENZ 280 SE AUTO
Scare Phase 1 W126
59000 Miles 2 Keepers
Rare Thistle Green
Mexican Hat Alloys

A53 XNV
This stunner rolled off the production line at some stage in 1983 and was
pre delivery inspected by Arlington Motor Co Mercedes Benz agents in
Bedford on the 6th April 1984, being delivered to its first owner a Mr
R G Harris in the same town on the 11th April 1984. Mr Harris cherished
his Merc, carefully storing it overnight in the garage and routinely
returning to the same supplying dealer for the next 25 years. He stopped
using the car to any degree at 59012 miles after its last documented dealer
service and simply stored it giving it little use and only warming up and
down and keeping everything serviceable. He did continue to MOT the car
up until his tenure of ownership ended on the 6th April 2009 almost exactly
25 years to the day he took delivery. At this point he sold the car to the
second and only other keeper a Mr Smith ( a classic collector) it had 59737
miles on it. Mr Smith stored the car from 2009 to present with it only
recently being MOTd for the first time since in July last year at 59743
miles. As part of setting the car back up it has also received a major
service and 4 new Vredstein comfort tyres fitted. The oil removed was
like fresh syrup.

Chassis no : 1260222A052505
Engine no : 11098922060652
DOR        : 06 04 1984

Optional Factory Specification
includes:

- Four speed automatic transmission
- Thistle Green metallic paint
- ABS
- Electric sunroof with integrated draught deflector
- Lower door entry lights
- Branded heavy duty rubber mud flaps

Standard Specification
includes:

- 6 Cylinder in line higher output 185 bhp SE engine
- Power steering
- Electric front & rear windows
- Electric passenger mirror
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- Heated screen wash
- Heated rear window demister
- Central locking
- Wood veneer
- Automatic heating Control

Mercedes-Benz W126
W126 designates the flagship line of cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz
between 1979 and 1991. The W126 replaces the W116 line and was the second
series to carry the S-Class or Sonderklasse (special class) designation.
The W126 four-door S-Class luxury car was launched in September 1979 to
replace the W116. The new series provided improved ride, better handling,
more power and increased fuel efficiency over it predecessor. This highly
rare phase 1 model is among the last of the ‘proper’ Mercedes cars ever
made. These vehicles are quite simply a joy to drive. The high standard
of build quality and durability defined the reputation that MB still
exploit today despite it peaking at this moment. This was the finest
luxury car in the world, it was built to a standard that other manufacturers
could only gasp at, setting a benchmark of engineering excellence that has
not been surpassed to this day and never will be as costs and bureaucracy
prevent it repeating. Come on this was the model that J R Ewing drove in early
Dallas episodes.

Condition
Unique among W126s, this example has never experienced neglect.
The condition of this car is like factory new, with nothing changed from
the standard specification. Its not a restored car, rather an original
survivor complete with original panels etc. This particular example is
as good as they get and the entire car has an incredibly appealing ambience.
It is in an unmolested time warp condition and has never undergone any
accident repairs, just routine good consistent educated servicing and
sympathy and heaps of love. This example has perfect condition light and
airy quality fabric and walnut interior and the carpets are like new.
There is no corrosion or damage anywhere. The original paint still shines
and has suffered no drama in its 33 years. The interior is like new having
had a set of seat covers fitted since brand new only being removed when
I took ownership. The boot, tools, under bonnet foam etc etc are all in
amazing condition. The engine bay is truly remarkable and this car would
be a clear show winner in its class. Everything in excellent working order.

There is no corrosion at all in the well-known W126 rust trap under the
rear window. All arches and panels are solid and moreover the paint finish
is a thing of beauty with a wonderful depth and zero blemishes. See image
of the front slam panel, the condition is like that of a two year old car.

Note : In the images the bonnet would appear to be out of alignment, this
was due tp not being shut firmly home, the bonnet has a double catch each
side of the grill, just to clear this up for you keen observers, I noticed
late on in the shoot.

The underside is completely free of fluid leaks, again, almost unprecedented
in my experience for a car of this vintage that has not benefited from a
nut and bolt restoration. The interior has a wonderful aroma of gentle
patination, no hint of mold or damp that so often tarnishes the interiors
of elderly luxury cars.

Service History & Care
The Mercedes 2.8 petrol is a legendary bullet proof unit and is so under worked
that it will last forever. Very obviously always been cherished and garaged
it has escaped the ravages of time. A general walk around this car and
a study of its history will leave you in no doubt that you are looking at
one of the best 80s Mercedes in the entire country, an example such as this
is what you would expect to source in a foreign country with a forgiving
climate.

Summary
There never was a car like the W126 in the annals of motoring history,
there probably never will be again. The market has woken up to what
these early examples represent and this is a unique car fresh to the
Mercedes Benz classic market. I have probably overstressed the message
already, however this is an outstanding Mercedes. The classic colour
scheme can only enhance the long term residual of this enduring
classic that should now rightly be wrapped away once more in a bubble
only being brought out on dry days, a superb investment.

Other Information
* 2 keepers in total from new
* Original supplying dealer number plates and rear window decal
* Original factory label under rear parcel shelf
* Genuine matching numbers car with original factory panels
* Complete toolkit
* Unused spare wheel 5th alloy
* Original working Blaupunkt stereo
* Warning triangle
* Sales Brocuhure
* Owners pack with drivers handbook
* Blaupunkt stereo manual
* Original Factory order/picking slips

£9,995

The Modern Classic Car Co is a trading name of Cleardaze Ltd.