MER CEDES -BEN Z W108 – A BRIEF HISTORY

In 1965 Mercedes- Benz introduced a new line up of executive saloons to replace the then dated looking ‘Fintail’ range. Designated the W108 series, the new 250S, 250SE and 300SE avoided any fashionable styling details and were produced as either as a spacious four- door saloon or a sleek looking pillarless two- door coupé. Under the W108’s simply formed but stylish Paul Bracq designed bodywork, the majority of the mechanical under-pinnings were carried over from the previous model, with the exception of a new range of revised six- cylinder engines. Power now came from a larger 2.5 litre inline-six and in 1968 the long wheelbase 300SEL ( W109) featuring rear self-levelling air suspension joined the line up.

Production of the all-round coil sprung 250SE and 300SE ceased at the start of that year and these models were replaced by the 280S and the 280SE. The new cars were powered by a brand new 2.8 litre six-cylinder engine, the 140bhp S being fuelled by twin downdraught carburettors and the SE enjoying the benefits of Bosch fuel injection to provide a power boost to 160bhp.

Autumn 1969 saw Mercedes- Benz introduce a revised 300SEL powered by a 3.5 litre V8 and from May 1971 this engine found its way into the 280SE and 280SEL. Although the 280SE could also be ordered with a six- cylinder engine, the six pot 280SEL was deleted from the sales list to make way for the V8 powered model, while a more powerful 4.5 litre V8 was fitted to W108 280’s destined for the north American market.

When new in 1971, Peter’s V8 powered 280SE coupé would have cost its first owner a hefty £3,500, a fair chunk of cash for the time, which today would equate to around £34,500. Included in the price was an automatic four-speed gearbox, electric windows, sunroof, power steering and all round servo assisted brakes.