They truly don’t build them like they used to, and when it comes to automotive solidity and engineering excellence, few cars can rival the pre-1998 Mercedes-Benz models. Before the era of the Chrysler-DaimlerBenz AG merger, Mercedes-Benz represented a pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship. If one car had to be chosen to exemplify and benchmark Mercedes’ legendary build quality, it would undoubtedly be the W116 S-Class. This conviction is precisely what led to the restoration of a barn-find 1975 Mercedes 280s.
The W116 holds a significant place in Mercedes-Benz history as the first luxury sedan to officially bear the prestigious S-Class designation, derived from Sonderklasse, meaning “special class.” From a design perspective, the Mercedes 280S embodies a classic aesthetic, drawing clear inspiration from the iconic R107 450SL roadster and coupe that preceded it. In an era of ostentatious luxury cars like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the Mercedes offered something different: überholprestige – overtaking prestige – combined with an understated elegance. The 280S is sleek, refined, and tastefully designed, featuring a prominent shoulder line that exudes a masculine presence. Despite its substantial size – a considerable 17 feet in length – the big Benz’s subtly wedged shape prevents it from appearing overwhelmingly large, achieving a graceful and commanding road presence.
The experience of interacting with the Mercedes 280S begins with a reassuringly solid metallic clank as you pull its protruding chrome door handle. Settling into the S-Class’s remarkably comfortable bucket seats, one can easily envision embarking on a long, intercontinental journey. While the project car in question has endured some interior warping from years of outdoor storage and the passage of 34 years, the cabin’s overall condition speaks volumes about the durability of its construction. The materials and surfaces throughout the interior are pleasingly soft to the touch, exuding a brand-appropriate sense of robustness. The ambiance is undeniably stoic, Teutonic, and darkly elegant, reflecting the classic Mercedes-Benz design ethos.
The Mercedes 280S features a dashboard of imposing dimensions, stretching across the car’s entire width. The design is remarkably uncluttered, highlighted by a strip of wood trim that elegantly lines the center. While the climate and radio controls might not represent peak ergonomic design by modern standards, the switchgear retains a satisfyingly tactile and firm feel. However, the main controls are somewhat visually similar, requiring a degree of familiarization.
In today’s automotive landscape, the Mercedes Benz 280S might seem comparatively underpowered. Its carbureted 2.8-liter DOHC straight-six engine produces a rated output of 160 horsepower and 167 lb·ft of torque, achieved at 5,500 and 4,000 RPM respectively. When paired with a short-ratio, four-speed automatic transmission, the 280S provides acceleration that is best described as adequate for urban driving. Navigating steep inclines or driving on highways often necessitates generous application of the throttle and downshifting to maintain pace with contemporary traffic. This is hardly surprising, considering the M110 engine is tasked with propelling approximately 3800 lbs of meticulously crafted German steel.
The Mercedes 280S achieved fuel economy figures of around 12 mpg in city driving and 17 mpg on the highway. In the context of the fuel crisis era and the advent of unleaded fuel, these figures and performance metrics were considered…tolerable. Performance-wise, the 0-60 mph acceleration time was around 11 seconds, with a top speed in the vicinity of 120 mph. Again, these figures were respectable for a 1975 luxury sedan. More importantly, the M110 engine’s smoothness is comparable to many modern straight-six engines. Power delivery is remarkably progressive, and the Mercedes 280S exhibits a willingness to rev that belies its age.
Handling is where the Mercedes 280S truly shines. The sedan incorporated technological advancements derived from the renowned C111 experimental test vehicle. The 280S boasts a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension with a torsion bar stabilizer, delivering zero offset and camber. Mercedes engineers incorporated progressive anti-dive geometry to ensure the substantial body remained stable under hard braking. They also refined the previously camber-change prone diagonal swing axle rear suspension – the very design that contributed to the Chevrolet Corvair’s challenging handling characteristics – with control arms to effectively manage camber changes, again aiming for zero offset and camber.
The outcome of these engineering efforts is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz ride quality: firm yet remarkably compliant. The Mercedes-Benz 280S effortlessly absorbs potholes, dips, and road imperfections without disrupting its composure. Virtually nothing seems capable of unsettling this car’s chassis. Its planted and surefooted stance imparts a sense of invincibility on the road.
On long, sweeping roads, utilizing the shift gate to control the transmission, the Mercedes 280S navigates corners with a swan-like grace. Thanks to its near-50/50 weight distribution, meticulously engineered suspension tuning, and a rigid chassis, the 280S exhibits a neutrality reminiscent of Switzerland itself.
Mercedes-Benz designed the handling capabilities of the Mercedes 280S to surpass the skill level of the average driver, making the sedan both easy and safe to operate, while still offering considerable potential for spirited driving. The car’s wide track effectively controls lateral body movement. The recirculating ball steering system provides ample feel and feedback, communicating when the front wheels are approaching the limits of grip. While the 280S doesn’t entirely conceal its considerable size and weight, it is surprisingly maneuverable, feeling as manageable as a contemporary Honda Accord. With just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock and a large diameter steering wheel, parallel parking this sizable Benz is remarkably straightforward.
In contrast to BMWs of its era, the Mercedes 280S perfectly embodies Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of harmonizing safety, performance, and comfort. The 280S is such a refined and docile machine that it is hard to fully appreciate just how far ahead of its time this car truly was, particularly when considering its more opulent siblings like the 450SEL and the legendary 450SEL 6.9. If contemporary Mercedes-Benz vehicles had continued to be engineered and built to the standards of the W116, rather than pursuing a more downmarket approach, the marque would undoubtedly have maintained its unparalleled reputation and its legitimate claim to producing the world’s finest engineered automobiles.
