“They don’t build them like they used to.” It’s a common saying, but when it comes to classic Mercedes-Benz, it rings profoundly true. Before the era of cost-cutting and mass-market appeal, Mercedes-Benz was synonymous with unparalleled engineering and build quality. If you’re seeking a tangible representation of this golden age, look no further than the W116 S-Class, and specifically, the Mercedes Benz 280s. This is why I embarked on the rewarding journey of restoring a barn-find 1975 280S, a testament to an era of automotive excellence.
The W116 holds a significant place in Mercedes-Benz history as the inaugural model to officially bear the prestigious “S-Class” designation, short for Sonderklasse or “special class.” In terms of design, the 280S embodies a timeless aesthetic, drawing clear inspiration from the elegant R107 450SL roadster and coupe that preceded it. In an era where luxury often meant ostentation, exemplified by brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the Mercedes Benz 280S offered a different kind of prestige. It exuded überholprestige – a quiet confidence and inherent superiority – combined with understated elegance. Its sleek silhouette, refined details, and tasteful design, highlighted by a strong shoulder line, project a masculine yet sophisticated presence. Despite its considerable size – a substantial 17 feet in length – the 280S’s carefully sculpted wedge shape prevents it from appearing overly bulky, achieving a harmonious balance of presence and grace.
The experience of interacting with a Mercedes Benz 280S begins even before you slide into the driver’s seat. Pulling the substantial chrome door handle produces a satisfyingly solid metallic clank, a sound that speaks volumes about the car’s robust construction. Sinking into the therapeutic embrace of the 280S’s bucket seats, one can easily envision this car as the ideal companion for long, transcontinental journeys. While my project car’s interior bears the marks of time – a slight warp from years spent outdoors and the general patina of 34 years of age – the cabin’s fundamental integrity remains remarkably intact. The materials throughout are pleasingly soft to the touch, conveying a sense of durability and quality that befits the Mercedes-Benz marque. The ambiance is undeniably stoic, Teutonic, and subtly dark – a classic Mercedes-Benz interior in its purest form.
Stepping inside, the 280S greets you with a dashboard of epic proportions, stretching across the entire width of the cabin. The design is minimalist and functional, dominated by a simple strip of wood veneer that adds a touch of warmth to the otherwise austere environment. While the ergonomics of the climate controls and radio might not meet modern standards of intuitiveness, the switchgear retains a wonderfully tactile and firm feel, a testament to the meticulous engineering. However, the design prioritizes form over immediate function, with the main controls being somewhat visually indistinguishable at a quick glance.
In today’s world of high-horsepower engines and instant acceleration, the Mercedes Benz 280S might initially seem underpowered. Its carbureted 2.8-liter DOHC straight-six engine produces a respectable 160 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, delivered at 5,500 and 4,000 RPM respectively. Paired with a short-ratio, four-speed automatic transmission, the 280S provides adequate acceleration for city driving. However, tackling steep inclines or merging onto highways requires a more assertive approach, often necessitating wide-open throttle and downshifting to maintain pace with contemporary traffic. This is hardly surprising when considering the M110 engine is tasked with moving approximately 3800 lbs of meticulously crafted German steel.
The fuel economy figures for the 280S – a modest 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway – were considered [barely] tolerable during the fuel crisis of the 1970s and the advent of unleaded fuel. Performance figures, while not earth-shattering, were respectable for the era. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in around 11 seconds, and the top speed hovers in the vicinity of 120 mph. Again, these numbers must be viewed in the context of 1975 automotive standards. More importantly than outright speed, the M110 engine distinguishes itself with an exceptional smoothness that rivals many modern inline-six powerplants. Power delivery is wonderfully progressive and linear, and the engine exhibits an eagerness to rev, adding a layer of driving enjoyment.
Where the Mercedes Benz 280S truly shines is in its handling and ride quality. Drawing upon technology pioneered in the advanced C111 experimental vehicle, the 280S boasts a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension with a torsion bar stabilizer, engineered for zero offset and camber. Mercedes-Benz engineers incorporated progressive anti-dive geometry to ensure the substantial body remained composed and level under hard braking. Furthermore, they refined the previously camber-change prone diagonal swing axle rear suspension – the very design that contributed to the Chevrolet Corvair’s notorious handling characteristics – by integrating control arms. These modifications effectively managed camber changes, again aiming for zero offset and camber, resulting in significantly improved stability and predictability.
The culmination of these engineering efforts is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz ride quality: firm yet remarkably compliant. The 280S effortlessly absorbs imperfections in the road surface – potholes, dips, and uneven pavement – with nonchalant ease. Virtually nothing can disrupt this car’s chassis composure. It possesses such a surefooted and planted stance that it imparts a feeling of invincibility.
On winding roads, the 280S reveals its surprisingly agile nature. By manually controlling the four-speed transmission via the shift gate, the car gracefully negotiates corners with remarkable poise. Thanks to its near-50/50 weight distribution, meticulously tuned suspension, and rigid chassis, the 280S exhibits a level of neutrality akin to Switzerland, remaining composed and predictable even when pushed.
Mercedes-Benz deliberately engineered the 280S’s handling limits to exceed the capabilities of the average driver, prioritizing safety and ease of driving. Yet, beneath the surface of docility lies a chassis with considerable dynamic potential. The car’s wide track effectively minimizes lateral body roll, and the recirculating ball steering system provides ample feel and feedback, communicating when the front tires are approaching their grip limits. While the 280S doesn’t entirely mask its considerable size, it is surprisingly maneuverable, feeling as manageable as a contemporary Honda Accord in everyday driving situations. With a relatively quick 2.7 turns lock-to-lock and a large diameter steering wheel, parallel parking the sizable Benz is surprisingly effortless.
In contrast to the more overtly sporty BMWs of its era, the Mercedes Benz 280S perfectly embodies Mercedes-Benz’s core philosophy: a harmonious blend of safety, performance, and comfort. The 280S is such a refined and undemanding machine that it’s easy to overlook just how ahead of its time this car truly was, especially when considering its more opulent siblings like the 450SEL and the legendary 450SEL 6.9. If modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles had continued to adhere to the uncompromising engineering principles embodied by the W116, rather than pursuing a more downmarket trajectory, the brand would undoubtedly have maintained its reputation as the producer of the world’s finest engineered automobiles.
[ Click here for more of Chris Chin’s at finaldrivepublications.blogspot.com]
