UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Mercedes 280SEL W108 1971 Classic S Class EX EMBASSY Owned

*** NO RESERVE - HIGHEST BIDDER WINS ***

STUNNING AND ULTRA RARE LONG WHEEL BASE W108 280SEL

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1971 Mercedes 280SEL (Long wheel base) Column shift Automatic

UK Supplied by Mercedes Benz Great West Road - London

Ex Vietnamese Embassy (London) Car

W108 Model designation with most sought after combination - Column Shift/Period Steering Wheel/Stack Headlights

First Registered 19th March 1971 (Pre 73)

4 Owners in Total  (3 Previous)

Mileage: 125. 00

MOT to 24th June 2014

Road Tax to 31st May 2014 (Tax exempt)

Black with Contrasting Burgundy MB Tex

The Paul Bracq-designed W108/109 Series Mercedes-Benz saloons of 1965-1972 were intended as a replacement for the top end models of the 'Fintail' era and. though less extravagant in their looks. were some of the best built and equipped cars of their time. Of steel monocoque construction. they featured fully independent suspension - double wishbones and coils springs at the front and swing axle and coil springs at the rear. Braking was by discs all round and steering was by a manual or power-assisted circulating ball system. The initial engine line-up was based on that of the outgoing W111 Series of SOHC straight six units. and gave the choice of 2. 5 or 3. 0-litre powerplants. In 1968. the 2. 5-litre unit was superseded by a 2. 8-litre version giving 140bhp in the 280S and 160bhp in the 280SE that was equipped with Bosch fuel injection. There was the choice of either four-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

This ultra rare LONG WHEEL BASE RHD example being offered is a 1971 car originally purchased by the Vietnamese embassy who owned the car for 7 years (until 1978). This actual car was used by the Vietnamese Prime Minister in London during the Vietnamese war – You can imagine the conversations in this car!

As you can imagine. they looked after the car with no expense spared. Most of the cars mileage was done with the embassy (75k). they serviced the car extensively in their ownership. The second owner (Mr Paul Blake. a Jersey resident) owned the car for 23 years until 2001. it is evident from the history file that Mr Blake looked after the car. In 2001. Mr Blake sold the car to the owner of Le Riche Auto Restorations in Jersey (http://www. leriche. com/). Mr Le Riche restored the car and used it as his own demonstrator for over 10 years. There is a job card of 7 Pages to highlight the amount of work put in to this car. Finally. in 2012. it was sold to a local elderly gentleman who bought the car back from Jersey. With a cruel twist of fate. he was soon told he wouldn't be able to drive due to medical reasons.  

Long wheel base cars were made in much smaller numbers. and even less were brought to the UK. The extra length really adds to the road presence of the car.

This car is equipped with the optional automatic transmission and Power Steering. It is finished in striking black and fitted with contrasting burgundy MB Tex interior. The engine runs sweetly. with no knocks or bangs. the gear changes are smooth and kicks down when asked to do so. Although subject to a full restoration. this is showing some signs of age. but you really have to look close to notice. It is certainly a lot better than most other cars available for sale today. What is important to note – the floors are solid as are the inner wings and boot floor. The entire underside has been rust proofed.  There is only the smallest blisters if you look hard – perhaps one or two. The front and rear bumpers have been re-chromed in the last two years (This is VERY expensive and makes a huge difference. and none of the chrome is missing.  The MB Tex is in excellent condition. with no rips or tears. it is remarkable that this car is 43 years old. The interior trim can be described as ‘very good' nothing is broken; there are some small cracks in the dashboard. The carpet (re-trimmed) is in excellent condition. The car is also fitted with the correct period Blaupunkt Radio.

The car has a current MOT until the 24th of June 2014  with no advisories present. The road tax runs out at the end of May 2014. but. being a pre 1973 car. it is exempt from Road Tax fees. Additionally. fully comprehensive classic car insurance is under £100 (No Claims bonus' are not applicable).

The car comes with:

-         The original Service book showing the Vietnamese Embassy as the first owner

-         11 Mercedes Benz Services whilst owned by the Embassy in the first Service book

-         A secondary Service book with further servicing (mainly Mercedes)

-         The original factory build/data card

-         Ultra Rare. Original work shop manual

-         A comprehensive history file with thousands of pounds worth of receipts

-         The original (CD) Diplomat Metal Badge to go on the grill (not fitted)

-         The Original Metropolitan Police Car Pass (Round Metal)

-         Several old MOT's

-         UK V5 Registration Document

-         Full documentation of import back to the UK from Jersey

-         Front seat belts have been fitted

I would happily say this is one of the best W108 cars available for sale today at this price point. The paintwork is very nice and shiny with only a small number of age related imperfections. the engine is very clean. and the interior is a lovely place to be. All tyres have more than 75% life.  I have owned and been around W108s for the last 10 years. I have probably viewed 50 + cars in that time. I cannot stress how they are prone to rust.

There are of course some imperfections. but they are negligible:

-         There are some small cracks in the right rear lens.

-         The radio is temperamental

I would suggest you look at other cars before looking at this one. and really look for rust. these old cars do suffer. I would also look at the condition of the interior. rips and tears look ghastly.

Arguably better than money in the bank. nominal running costs. and ready to go. Please contact me if you would like more information or to view. The car is based near Heathrow. West London.

****YOU ARE BIDDING TO BUY - PLEASE REMEMBER THAT****

PLEASE CONSIDER CARS FOR SALE BETWEEN £8000-£12000 with LOW OWNERS/ LOW MILES MOT/TAXED THAT NEED NO WORK IF YOU WANT A COMPARISON

I cannot suggest strongly enough to go and look at the cars to understand them. and if you are interested. please come and have a look/drive.

CASH ON COLLECTION WITHIN 7 DAYS OF AUCTION ENDING - £200 DEPOSIT WITHIN 24 HOURS OF AUCTION ENDING

 This request is purely to deter the day-trippers. hagglers. re-negotiators and winning bidders who feel by their winning of the auction just puts them in the privileged position of having first refusal with the `option` to buy!!  

Obviously a huge apology goes out to all you genuine eBayers who appreciate. understand and follow the correct ethics of the auction. but as like me I`m sure you`ve had similar frustrations and fully understand the need for my plea.

Although all efforts have been made to give an honest appraisal of the above vehicle it should not be taken as conclusive. Please bear in mind the age of the car when bidding! Expect imperfections!

 

Thanks for reading this. Happy bidding :) 

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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