Mercedes-Benz W126 280S in absolute collector's condition 1. Car letter folder with invoices Climate and much more. (1983)

Vehicle description

After the predecessor series W116 had impressively defined the term S-Class – and still valid today – it was the task of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the W126 series presented at the IAA in 1979 to consolidate and, if possible, expand the global leading position it had achieved in the market segment of luxury-class saloons. A targeted technical development and the significantly more modern and attractive design compared to the 116 series ensured that this was achieved effortlessly. In 12 years of construction, the Stuttgart-based company produced around 890,000 units of the W126 – it was not until 1991 that the successor (W140) came onto the market. To this day, the S-Class of the W126 series is considered the most frequently built luxury saloon.

Now a Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the W126 series from the year of construction 1983 is offered in this auction: This is a 280S with the FIN WDB1260211A005573, which according to the seller has a total of 3 previous owners and the so-called matching numbers. The history of this sedan includes, among other things, a full folder with invoices, the 1st car letter and various other documents. The new car invoice is also available, from which it can be read that this 280S had a base price of DM 46,341 and was ordered with accessories for over DM 22,500. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that there is a tüv-süd report from 2016, in which the Mercedes-Benz received the condition grade 2.

The body of the Mercedes in the colour "Classic White Uni" appears to be accident-free. According to the current holder, there are no rust spots on the doors, the fenders or the jack mounts. All plastic add-on parts on the full-size sedan are in good condition, even the few chrome trim elements on the body still shine as they should. For its almost 40 years, this S-Class is in good shape in terms of paint technology. Deviations from the original condition on the exterior of the S-Class can obviously not be detected.

The baroque aluminium rims of this 280S have been completely revised: Only recently, the rims were sandblasted, painted and equipped with new uniroyal tyres in the 195/70 dimension. Brake discs and blocks were replaced with new parts. In terms of chassis technology, springs from Sachs and new shock absorbers from Monroe were only added in March 2022.

A very good state of preservation can be seen in the interior: Except for a crack in the dashboard, there is no damage in the interior of the W126 and everything works as it should. The grey full leather interior of this luxury class saloon is extremely well maintained. The equipment of this 280 can be described as extremely rich: electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable seats at the front, heated front seats, electric sunroof, air conditioning (already converted to the new refrigerant), head restraints in the rear, cruise control, ABS, exterior mirrors on the right electrically adjustable, Hirschmann antenna electric (new in October 2020), center armrest foldable front, thermally insulating glass all around, rear window heatable, rear speaker, Fire extinguisher, original Mercedes starter battery with larger capacity (came new in March 2022), Radio Becker Europe courier cassette radio. All equipment elements are said to function flawlessly.

A mileage of 170,880 kilometers can be read from the speedometer: The seller has it mentioned that there is a bulging Leitz folder with Mercedes invoices from the years 1983 to 2020 and also the 1st car letter and the original Mercedes sales brochure including price list from 1983 are available. All instruments in the dashboard have an indecent function.

Under the bonnet works a 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder carburetor engine, which transmits the power to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. According to the seller' statements, the engine, transmission and differential are still original as in the factory delivery, a last service took place at KM booth 166,550. The starter and all oils and filters have only recently been renewed.

The subfloor presents itself in a defect-free condition: Except for age-related signs of use, no deficits can be detected. The successor to the W 116 still looks timeless and modern, and even by today's standards, the 126 S-Class Mercedes are excellent automobiles with a still very high level of quality. This W126 from the first series convinces as a 280S with its rich equipment and its all-round extremely good overall condition without serious flaws. Thanks to the many new parts in the chassis area, this S-Class also drives flawlessly, while in the interior the numerous luxurious equipment features pamper the driver and the passengers.

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