Identifying classic Mercedes-Benz models, especially from the 1970s “Benz 70s” era, often requires a keen eye for detail. Take, for example, the Mercedes-Benz 280S (W108) featured on the Internet Movie Car Database (IMDB). While listed as a 1969 model, a closer inspection reveals compelling evidence pointing towards a 1970 production year. Let’s delve into the specifics that differentiate this classic “benz 70s” icon.
One of the initial clues lies in the car’s specifications. This particular 280S is a US specification model, originally from Southern California. This is indicated by several features, including the quad headlights, a distinct characteristic of US-spec W108s. Unlike their European counterparts, US models opted for these quad sealed beam headlights instead of the Euro-spec single headlights with glass “tombstone” side marker lights.
Further solidifying the 1970 model year is the California license plate. The blue and gold “865APA” plate is not just any vintage plate; it’s a crucial piece of evidence. This series of blue and gold plates began issuance in California at the very start of 1970. This transition occurred when the previous black and gold plate series reached the end of their alphanumeric combinations in 1969. The sequence started with “000AAA” and continued upwards, making the “865APA” series a definitive marker of a 1970 registration.
In California, license plates typically stay with the vehicle for its entire lifespan, unless replaced due to damage or specific reasons. In 1970, plate changes were uncommon, limited to situations like accident damage, disabled plates, press photographer plates, or the newly introduced personalized plates, which were rare in their inaugural year. This plate is undoubtedly authentic and not a fabricated “movie prop.” Therefore, the IMDB listing incorrectly identifying the car as a 1969 model is highly likely to be inaccurate.
Contrast this with a genuine 1969 W108 Mercedes-Benz. A 1969 model would correctly feature the declining alphanumeric series black and gold California license plates. The example below showcases “X” series plates, typical for 1969 registrations in California. Notably, this 1969 model even retains its original “Mercedes Benz of Hollywood” dealer plate frames, further pointing to its Southern California origins.
Adding to the plausibility of a Hollywood area origin, several Mercedes-Benz dealerships existed in the “movieland” vicinity of Los Angeles back in 1970. Dealerships like Mercedes-Benz Hollywood, W.I. Simonson (Santa Monica), Auto Steigler (now Mercedes-Benz of Encino), and Beverly Hills Mercedes-Benz were all active. This significantly increases the likelihood that this particular 280S was originally sold and remained local to the movie industry area, especially considering the movie featuring the car was filmed just eight years after 1970.
The car’s trunk badge also provides crucial information. The “280S” designation confirms the model, which was indeed in production in 1970. Another tell-tale sign is the single exhaust pipe. A 280SE model, also available in the “benz 70s” era, would have featured twin exhausts exiting on the right side, a feature absent in this 280S.
While the paint code chart for the W108 series is in German, and thus requires translation for definitive color identification, visual inspection reveals evidence of a respray at some point.
However, the quality of the respray appears less than perfect, suggesting the car might have been acquired by the movie production at a lower cost.
In conclusion, based on the US specification quad headlights, the 1970 series California blue and gold license plates, the “280S” trunk badge, and the single exhaust, the evidence overwhelmingly points to this Mercedes-Benz 280S being a 1970 model. This detailed analysis should definitively correct any misidentification and accurately place this classic “benz 70s” vehicle in its proper model year.
