CHASING CARS
ASKING £11,995 PRICE
ENGINE 2746/4-cyl/OHC POWER 177bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 172lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 121mph 0-60MPH 9.9sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-24mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 71,824 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Typically old-school Mercedes- Benz, this big saloon feels solidly engineered throughout and while not especially quick it still provides swift and serene performance from its 2.8-litre twin-cam straight-six. The automatic gearbox changes ratios smoothly in both auto or override modes and the suspension remains firm yet comfortable. It’s not a car for hustling along but the handling is good and the steering box displays no undue slack around the straight-ahead position. The leaky radiator will be replaced before sale but engine temperature was never a concern during our test-drive.
BODYWORK CHECK
EMV 528T looks most impressive in its green hue, especially given that the vendor has yet to prepare it for sale. All of the shut lines are spot-on, the doors close solidly the chrome is excellent and even the body-coloured hub caps are unmarked. Getting the car up on a ramp allowed us to inspect the underside, which looked solid and Fairmont will attend to the minor scabs at the bottom of the rear wheel arches before sale. A sign of previous good ownership is that this 280SE rolls on period-correct Michelin tyres, which have plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The lurid shades of greeny-gold cabin trim – so fashionable on German cars of the 1970s – won’t be to all tastes but it’s durable and remains in very good condition. The seats have kept their shape with little sign of wear and everything works the way it should in an old Mercedes-Benz; the inoperative passenger door central locking will be attended to before sale. This 280SE comes with a power sunroof with wi
