1975 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE

A superb and highly original Mercedes W116 280SE with just 58k miles from new.

Finished in the classic Mercedes colour combination of Silver with dark blue trim. Fuel-injected 185hp straight-six coupled with an automatic gearbox. Electric sunroof, manual windows, steel wheels with colour-coded hub caps.

Sold new by Maloney & Rhodes of Cambridge – dealers for Mercedes, Audi and NSU - 49 years ago and, until we purchased it this year, has remained in the East of England since new.

The first owners were Percy Watts & Son of Chatteris, who kept the car until 1985. The second owner was a Mr Beane of Ely, who seems to have been a garage owner, who kept it 16 years until 2001. The next owner, a Mr Curtis of Newmarket, owned it until 2015 before the fourth owner in Saffron Walden who kept it for 8 years. There have been five owners in total and, apart from the last, have all been long term.

This W116 has never been restored, it is an original ‘survivor’ car that has evidently been garaged from new and, given just 58k miles on the clock, sparingly used.

The body, usually the big problem with 116 models, is in remarkable, original condition. The underside is in excellent order too and completely solid.

The brightwork is in great condition. The wheels wear brand new Blockley period-style radials of the correct 185R14 size.

The interior is quite incredible and one of the best 116 interiors we have seen with no sun-fading or wear.

All original books and manuals come with the car, a DVLA printout of all previous owners, old tax discs and MoTs.

Registered as a historic vehicle so tax, MoT and ULEZ exempt.

Cherished number plate ‘FIG 696’ comes with the car.

Feels lively on the road with plenty of performance and that tight, refined feel of low mileage original cars.

A real find of a W116. With so few excellent examples of this model remaining, it is a pleasure to sample such a well-preserved car.