Mercedes-Benz 280S- 1969

In August 1965 the new W 108 body/chassis platform was unveiled to replace the 220 and 300 “Fintail” sedans. This new series covered a wide range of models including, the 250S, 250SE, 280S, 280SE coupe and convertible, 300SE, 300SEL and 300SEL 6.3.

The Mercedes-Benz 280S seen here displays all of the comfort and spaciousness the S-class 4-door Luxury Sedan bodies had to offer. They were full-size, extremely well built cars and still command a presence today. What makes the 280S transcend time is its stateliness and sophistication. The front end, with its vertical headlights and traditional upright Mercedes grille, is imposing, while in profile the 280S is simplified to respectable proportions with clean, rounded lines. In European elegance, its design was created by Paul Bracq, the masterful French head of design for Mercedes-Benz during the ’60s and ’70s. Following his tenure at Mercedes-Benz, Bracq would go on to design his home country’s high-speed TGV train, and later as chief of design for BMW and later, Peugeot.

This 280S is a gasoline-powered 2.8 liter, M130 inline six-cylinder engine fed by dual carburetors. The M130 produces 140 hp (100 kW) and will push the car to 115 mph. 0-100km (0-62mph) is reached in 12.5 seconds. The 2.8 liter inline six by Mercedes-Benz to this day is one of its most proven and reliable engines. The 280S was produced from 1965 through 1972.

In January 2019, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280S was converted into a period-correct rally car to take part in the AvD-Histo-Monte Winter Rally as part of Mercedes’ celebration of “125 Years of Motorsports.” The 280S, named “Heinrich,” was one of 89 historic cars to take the demanding route from the start in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany to Switzerland and then France in just five days. Following in the footsteps of the Rally Monte-Carlo, they competed via Italy over the snowy Alps to reach Monaco after 1155.75 miles (1860 kilometers). Heinrich finished in 59th place.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Daimler-Benz AG.
Country of Origin: Germany
Drivetrain Configuration: Front engine, rear wheel drive
Engine: Water-cooled, M130, 2778 cc, inline-six, 140 hp
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed: 115 mph
Years of Production: 1967 – 1972
Number Produced: 184,717
Original Cost: $5,897