They truly don’t build them like they used to. In an era of mass-produced vehicles, the solid craftsmanship of older Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those predating 1998, stands as a stark contrast. Before the Daimler-Chrysler merger, Mercedes represented a pinnacle of automotive engineering and build quality. If one car had to be chosen to exemplify this golden age, it would undoubtedly be the W116 S-Class. This conviction fueled the decision to embark on the restoration of a barn-find 1975 280S.
The W116 holds a significant place in Mercedes-Benz history as the first sedan to officially bear the prestigious S-Class designation, short for Sonderklasse, or “special class.” The design of the 280S reflects a classic, timeless aesthetic, drawing clear inspiration from the R107 450SL roadster and coupe that preceded it. In a market segment often dominated by ostentatious displays of wealth, like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the Mercedes 280S offered something different: überholprestige – overtaking prestige – paired with understated elegance. Its design is sleek, refined, and tastefully restrained, with a strong shoulder line lending a masculine presence. Despite its considerable size, stretching to 17 feet, the 280S’s subtle wedge shape prevents it from appearing overwhelmingly bulky, achieving a harmonious balance of presence and poise.
{width=280 height=250}The experience of opening the 280S’s door begins with a reassuringly solid metallic clank as the prominent chrome handle is pulled. Sinking into the therapeutic bucket seats, one can easily envision embarking on a long, intercontinental journey in the 280S. While time and the elements – including a year spent outdoors – have taken a slight toll on this particular project car’s interior, the cabin has remarkably withstood the years. The touchpoints throughout the interior speak to a commitment to quality, with soft-touch materials and a sense of unwavering solidity that befits the Mercedes-Benz brand. The interior ambiance is decidedly stoic, Teutonic, and dark, creating a sense of serious luxury.
The dashboard of the 280S is a vast expanse stretching across the entire width of the car. Simplicity is key here, with a single strip of wood trim accentuating the center. However, the ergonomics of the climate controls and radio are not as intuitive as modern designs. While the switchgear retains a satisfyingly tactile and robust feel, the controls themselves are somewhat similar in appearance, requiring a moment of familiarization.
In today’s automotive landscape, the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S might seem underpowered by contemporary standards. Its carbureted 2.8-liter DOHC straight-six engine produces 160 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, peaking at 5,500 and 4,000 RPM, respectively. Coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission featuring short gear ratios, the 280S delivers adequate acceleration for city driving. However, tackling steep inclines or merging onto highways necessitates liberal use of wide-open throttle and downshifting to maintain pace with modern traffic. This is hardly surprising, considering the M110 engine is tasked with moving approximately 3800 lbs of robust German steel.
Fuel economy for the 280S was around 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. In the context of the fuel crisis of the 1970s and the introduction of unleaded fuel, these figures were considered…tolerable. Performance figures, while not groundbreaking, were also respectable for the era. The 280S could achieve 0-60 mph in approximately 11 seconds, with a top speed around 120 mph. More importantly than outright speed, the M110 engine is remarkably smooth, rivaling the refinement of many modern straight-six engines. Power delivery is wonderfully progressive and the engine is notably eager to rev, adding to the driving enjoyment.
Handling is where the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S truly shines. Benefitting from technology derived from the advanced C111 experimental vehicle, the 280S boasts a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension with a torsion bar stabilizer, providing zero offset and camber. Mercedes engineers incorporated progressive anti-dive geometry to ensure the large body remained stable under hard braking. The previously camber-change prone diagonal swing axle rear suspension – which contributed to the Chevrolet Corvair’s infamous handling reputation – was significantly改良 with control arms to mitigate camber changes, again aiming for zero offset and camber.
The result of this advanced engineering is the classic Mercedes-Benz ride quality: firm yet remarkably compliant. The 280S effortlessly absorbs potholes, dips, and road imperfections without unsettling the chassis. Its surefooted stance instills a sense of invincibility on the road.
{width=280 height=250}On winding roads, utilizing the shift gate to control the transmission, the 280S navigates corners with surprising grace. Its near 50/50 weight distribution, meticulously tuned suspension, and rigid chassis contribute to a neutral handling balance, as predictable as Switzerland.
Mercedes-Benz engineered the 280S’s handling capabilities to surpass the skills of the average driver, making it both safe and easy to drive, while still offering the potential for spirited driving. The car’s wide track keeps body roll well-controlled in corners. The recirculating ball steering system provides sufficient feel and feedback, communicating when the front tires are approaching their limit of grip. Despite its considerable size, the 280S is surprisingly maneuverable, comparable to a modern Honda Accord. With just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock on the large diameter steering wheel, parallel parking this substantial sedan is remarkably easy.
Unlike the sportier BMWs of the same era, the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S perfectly embodies Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of harmonizing safety, performance, and comfort. The 280S is such a refined and docile machine that it belies its groundbreaking engineering and the even more advanced technology found in its more expensive stablemates, the 450SEL and the legendary 450SEL 6.9. If Mercedes-Benz had maintained the build quality and engineering philosophy exemplified by the W116, instead of pursuing more downmarket segments, they would have undoubtedly solidified their reputation as producers of the world’s finest engineered automobiles.
[Click here for more of Chris Chin’s articles at finaldrivepublications.blogspot.com]
