Before Mercedes officially used the name of the S-Class, the models W108 and W109 already set the standard for prestige and innovation in Germany. These salons from the 1960s still impress with their sophisticated design and remarkable engineering.
Although the S-Class’s slab arrived with the W116 in 1972, the W108 series had already defined, which meant the top animal engine. The most noteworthy was the later 300 SEL 6.3, which borrowed its 250 PS V8 from the Mercedes 600 sedan. The styling, which developed in addition to the W111 Coupés and Cabriolets by Paul Bracq, left out the tail spots of earlier models and favored a cleaner silhouette.
While early 250 models that were provided with or without fuel injection were popular, the 280 variants, which were introduced in 1967 and 1968, turned out even more. Her six -cylinder engines offered a little more power, although the performance differences were minimal. The 2.5-liter units were based on a 2.2-liter predecessor, whereby the injected version maintained a six-plunger system. In contrast to the W111-based 300 SE, the new W108 dropped the aerial suspension in favor of a self-use hydropneumatic spring on the back in order to maintain the driving height regardless of the load.
At its time, the 250 SE offered both luxury and speed. It could drive at 190 km/h, a speed that many of the era sports cars exceeded. Buyers who are looking for even more electricity could choose the 4.5 liter V8 of 3.5-liter or US market. These were laid out for fuel with low octane and delivered up to 200 hp. Depending on the driving style, the fuel use was between 12 and 18 liters per 100 km.
Long-wheeling versions such as the 280 SEL set the total length of the car by ten centimeters and were often specified with velor or leather seats and rear headrests. These models often showed air suspension that significantly improved driving comfort. The power steering was optional.
For people with more specific needs, extras such as air conditioning, electric sliding roof and central armrests could be ordered. In 1971 Mercedes produced a total of 280 SEL 3.5-28 -in order to satisfy the increasing demand for safe transport after attacks on diplomats and growing political unrest.
The Vatican models were still unique. In 1966, a landaulet was built with a single back seat and partially retractable roof. A year later, two six-seater sedans were delivered, each based on a platform, which was extended by 65 centimeters and contains modified back doors and additional fault jumps.
