Lot 067: 1972 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SE 3.5 SALOON

Among the fastest, most luxurious saloons of its generation, the four-door Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 was introduced at the 1970 Amsterdam Motor Show. The work of Paul Bracq, its elegant, understated lines were shared with the rest of the W108 range but gave little clue as to the newcomer's reputed 125mph potential. Based around a beautifully engineered monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round independent suspension (double-wishbone front / swing-axle rear), power-assisted recirculating ball steering and four-wheel disc brakes, the model was powered by a freshly developed 3499cc SOHC V8 engine allied to four-speed automatic transmission. Credited with developing some 200bhp and 211lbft, the all-alloy powerplant was feted for its flexibility, refinement and punch. Only in production between July 1970 and September 1972, the 280SE 3.5 is notable as one of the last Mercedes' saloons to be handbuilt. Finished in Pine Green metallic with Bamboo MB Tex upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "superb overall" condition. A truly exceptional car, 'NHD 985L' had covered just 11,631 miles at the time of writing. Supplied new by Charles Sidney Ltd of Bradford to its sole registered keeper for the princely sum of £5,112 (semi-detached house money at the time), the Mercedes came with a limited slip differential, electric windows, tinted glass, seat belts and period stereo. A showroom exhibit for twenty-six years that was treated to new brake and fuel lines at a cost £3,145 in 2002, the 280SE 3.5 apparently "drives with no bumps or rattles whatsoever". Riding on steel wheels, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until May 2008.