1972 Mercedes Benz W114 280 For Sale - Now Sold
The Car & Its History
1972 Mercedes Benz W114 280 1972
Quite apart from their incredible build quality, there were several things that were significant about the Mercedes-Benz “W114” models, launched in 1968.
The car was styled by Paul Bracq, who had previously designed the iconic ‘Pagoda’ roof Mercedes SLs, and the W114 featured a number of styling cues carried staright over from the iconic sports car, namely the fluted wheel arches and stacked front headlamp lenses, along with its narrow A-pillars and steeply curved windscreen.
It also had an entirely new suspension system, consisting of an advanced multi-link wishbone front end and swing axles at the rear, which gave it a bouncy but pliable ride, along with excellent durability.
It was a strikingly handsome design and one that looked sharp and modern alongside its contemporaries.
The W114 was also the first Mercedes to move towards a naming strategy based on its engine size – from the four-cylinder 200 to the fuel-injected six-cylinder 280E flagship.
Exterior
Imported from South Africa, the car has lived in a dry climate and is largely original. It’s a very early facelift car following some major enhancements for the 1973 model year, which included slimmer bumpers, an improved cabin and lower headlamps, as well as alloy wheels on higher specification cars.
It’s a real testimony to Mercedes-Benz build quality of the era that the 280E still wears its original factory paintwork, which is in superb order. It looks fantastic in white, while the alloy wheels set it off beautifully and are the only real giveaway – aside from the badge – that this is the top model.
There’s the odd small nick or scratch as you’d expect from a car of its era, but there’s absolutely no corrosion anywhere to be seen, while the chrome and trim is all in very good condition – it has all the hallmarks of a beautiful and well looked-after car.
The alloy wheels are in exceptional order, while it has new tyres all round.
Interior
The cabin is what will attract most people to this 280 as it’s an amazing colour scheme – bronze-beige MB-Tex leatherette upholstery topped off with matching door cards and a wood-effect fascia. Grey carpets and an ivory headlining complete the effect.
The dash is reassuringly old-fashioned but straightforward, with a pod containing a three-dial VDO instrument panel and a large steering wheel, with traditional horn rings at odds with its 1970s impact pad.
There’s very little in the way of sun damage despite the car spending most of its life in a hot climate, with only some cracks to the steering wheel trim detracting from its otherwise immaculate appearance.
This car is has been owned by the same family from new and has covered just 102,000km from new, or around 60,000 miles. It is completely original, with its factory paint and an unusually high specification featuring air conditioning, a sunroof and a factory Bosch AM/FM radio with wood fascia to match the car’s dash. It’s a lovely old thing, beautifully set-off by its period MB-Tex leather-effect upholstery. This car also has the very rare electric sunroof option.
Engine & Running Gear
The six-cylinder engine is sweet running and lively, firing up on the button and settling to a steady idle. It’s coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission that’s both smooth and responsive.
Despite its age, the W114 feel surprisingly agile, thanks in no small part to its relatively complex suspension set-up, which gives it a decent balance between handling and comfort, while the steering and brakes are both in fine order.
Seller Details
Manufacturer
Model
Colour
Country/Region of Manufacture
Year
Previously Registered Overseas
Drive Side
Body Type
Doors
Seats
Fuel
Transmission
Engine Size
Mileage
Service History
MOT Expiry
Mercedes-Benz
280
White
South Africa
1972
Yes
Right-hand drive
Saloon
4
4
Petrol
Automatic
2800
60000
Yes
Nov-21
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