1969 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE

A very special W108 280SE. Original, unrestored, exceptional condition with just 107k KM (66k miles) and three owners from new.

The curious thing about this car is that it was ordered new and has remained in Switzerland since, yet it was ordered in right-hand drive. We shall probably never have the answer to that mystery.

What we do know is that it was ordered new at Park Garage AG in Solothurn, Switzerland by Paul Zehntner-Krapf on April 3rd 1969.

He special ordered two-tone paintwork – 040 black over Light Ivory. Inside it was optioned with real leather in red with headrests, unusual as most W108s made do with MB Tex vinyl.

The original bill of sale details the ‘special request with right-hand drive and stick-shift’, because, also unusually, this 280SE has a four-speed, floor-change manual transmission.

Other items mentioned include the electric sunroof, Blaupunkt Cologne stereo with rear loudspeaker, automatic antenna and rare short-wave adapter mounted under the dashboard. All components are still present today.

Zehntner-Krapf kept the car until December 1983. After having it serviced by the MB main agent in Bern in November, he sold it to an Aurelio Bezzola of Bern who was involved in the banking sector. At this point the kilometres were just 66k.

Receipts, mainly from the MB main agent in Bern, shows Bezzola carefully maintained the Mercedes, but by the mid 90s retired the car from regular use. The mileage was showing as 102,871km in 1994. In 2012 Bezzola sold the car after 29 years to a Josef Mueller of Mettmenstetten in the Canton of Zurich who seemingly added it to his private museum of classic cars.

Although it runs and drives beautifully, we are currently carrying out a recommissioning service to ensure it’s in fine fettle and ready for its next owner.

In fabulous condition throughout. It is one of the most original W108s we have seen. The interior retains all its original upholstery, the exterior brightwork is exceptionally fresh and under the bonnet the zinc plated parts still retain their lustre.

The underside is in immaculate, rust-free condition.

UK registered as Historic Vehicle so tax, MoT and ULEZ exempt.

Books and a folder of paperwork going back to its original bill of sale.

While many of these six-cylinder W108s are automatic, they are much more fun to drive as a manual with a great gearshift and so much easier to keep that lovely inline-six on song. It suits the car perfectly.

In summary, an exceptional and extremely original Swiss-market RHD W108 280SE with low owners/mileage a lovely specification and colours. A perfectly preserved example.