1984 Mercedes-Benz 280SE

History

Sonderklasse, or Special Class, has been shortened to simply S-Class over the decades since Mercedes-Benz first employed in with the W116 series in 1972. Since day one, it has represented the automakers’ flagship platform for showcasing their latest innovations and highest technology.

Arriving in 1980, the second-gen W126 series would become the longest-running and most successful S-class line, in production until 1992. Much of that success can be chalked up to incredible powertrain reliability and uncompromising build quality. The term “vault-like” doors is one of the most common ways you will hear a W126 described.

Automotive design legend Bruno Sacco oversaw the style of the second-gen S-Class and to call it timeless would be an understatement. Those classic lines also integrated the latest in wind tunnel-based testing elements like the aerodynamic mirrors and recessed windshield wipers.

A key modern benefit of all that attention to detail is that a car like the one up for auction today – nearly 40 years old – can look this good. Mercedes was not messing around with the W126, they built these for the long haul, so rest assured this 1984 280SE is ready to keep delivering its famed level of luxury for many miles to come.