1979 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL W116 – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 29.05.2020

In terms of classic cred for the dollar: 70s Benzes are hard to go past

To be driving a W116 Mercedes-Benz when new, you were probably someone special.

Considered the predecessor to the iconic flagship 'S-Class', the 280SE occupied the volume slot of this generation of 'Sonderklasse' or 'Special class' car.

The preceeding W108 and long-wheelbase W109 models are hugely collectible and desired, sometimes fetching up to $200,000 in the right body shape and specification.

These W116s haven't quite reached the dizzying heights of those older models yet, but remain a tremendously affordable entry point into classic big-Benz ownership; and should hold their value as the 'classic' status continues to trickle down through Mercedes-Benz's back-catalogue.

This 1979 Egyptian Gold saloon example is an 280SEL model, indicating that it is fitted with the 2.8lt inline-six, and in long-wheelbase specification.

The listing is a little scant on details, but describes the car to be in immaculate condition and very well looked after.

Listed for $14,990 – the silky-six saloon may be worth investigating for the classic Benz enthusiast, or someone after an astute entry-level classic.

The car is based in Victoria and you can check out the full listing here!

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