Built in 1972, this Mercedes 280SE 3.5 was imported to Norway in 1973. The car was originally delivered in Deep Blue, with a blue leather interior. It was later painted white and stayed in Norway until we recently acquired it as a trade-in car.
This Mercedes W108 S-class was owned by Norwegian intellectual and former communist party leader Hans Ingemann Kleven. It stayed in his family for decades and was hardly used in the last 20 years. Still in unrestored condition, the 280SE recently benefitted from a service check up. It runs and drives nicely, but should be considered a project car.
The paint shows several touch ups, small blisters, cracks with surface rust underneath and other imperfections. At this point, the Mercedes should undergo a thorough bare-metal respray.
Underneath the car, some older repair work is visible. Dinitrol / waxoil holes have been applied around the lower body, resulting in a mostly well-preserved car (for Northern European standards at least). Some rust damage is visible on the lower right hand sill panel and the right front outrigger (behind the front bumper). The engine bay is covered with stone chip coating, over the original blue paint.
The Mercedes 3.5 litre V8 starts easily and runs nicely, with excellent oil pressure. The car had some recent service work done: engine oil + filter, ignition coil and points, new fuel injectors, fuel hoses and filter and rebuilt brakes. The rear transmission oil seal and differential oil seal should be replaced. Valve cover gaskets are leaking and valve clearances have not been checked. The battery is located in the boot compartment and should be safely attached. The dynamo is not working. Hence, the car will need further mechanical attention before being considered roadworthy.
The interior is in well-preserved original condition. Supple and undamaged blue leather, which is a bit faded in some areas. Desirable electric sunroof, which operates well but does not close entirely. 44.126 km on the odometre. The previous oil change was done 25 years ago, at 42.118 km.
An unrestored project car that should be revitalised by a practical enthusiast.
Price: € 9.800
This Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 has a Norwegian registration and EU customs document (duties paid). Door-to-door delivery possible throughout Europe, contact us for a shipping quote. Visits and inspections by appointment at Dandy Classics in the Netherlands.
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