The Star of Stuttgart: Tracing the Mercedes-Benz Legacy
Initially, Mercedes-Benz, founded through the merger of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie in 1926. Rapidly, it established itself as a cornerstone of luxury and innovation in the automotive industry. Subsequently, the company set benchmarks in safety, comfort, and performance that would guide the development of every vehicle in its lineup. Moreover, the launch of models like the 300 SL Gullwing in the 1950s exemplified Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to combining high performance with striking aesthetics. Furthermore, this ethos was carried into the design and development of the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C. Representing the elegant and powerful Coupé variant of the W114 line, introduced in 1968.
Crafting Elegance: The Design Evolution of the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C
Under the guidance of Paul Bracq, a renowned automobile designer, the 280C featured a refined, clean design characterized by its fluid lines and balanced proportions. Additionally, Bracq’s leadership in the design of the W114 series resulted in a vehicle that combined functional elegance with technological advancements. Importantly, the 280C’s design emphasized a lower, wider stance that not only enhanced the car’s visual appeal but also improved its road handling and stability.
Inside the Innovator’s Cabin: The 1975 280C Interior and Technology
Inside, the 280C was a showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s luxurious craftsmanship. Specifically, the vehicle boasted high-quality materials such as fine woods for the dashboard and door panels, and premium leather upholstery. Moreover, it was equipped with advanced technology for the time, including central locking and power windows, which emphasized convenience and comfort. Additionally, the 280C featured a well-appointed dashboard with an intuitive layout, enhancing the driving experience with easy-to-read instruments and ergonomically placed controls.
OUR 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C
‘We are proud to present a beautifully preserved, excellently driven example of this always garaged, accident-free 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C. This particular model, a W114 Series Coupe built between 1973-1976, is constructed in November 1974. It features its original and highly desirable 2.8L 6 cylinder engine with about 35K miles on the odometer (note the mileage is undocumented). It comes loaded with factory options including power steering, power-assisted 4 wheel disc brakes, and power windows. Additional features include factory BEHR air conditioning, fully reclining bucket seats, and matching color Mercedes hub cap wheel centers. It also boasts an original ‘Becker’ AM/FM radio, cruise control, central locking, and tinted glass. The car is presented in its original ‘Silver Green Metallic over Pine Green Metallic’ factory paint. The original matching ‘Green’ MB Tex interior with matching carpet and kick panel carpet remains in excellent condition throughout!’
Production Perfection: Building the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C
The production of the 280C highlighted Mercedes-Benz’s meticulous assembly processes. Consequently, each vehicle was crafted with a focus on quality and longevity, traits synonymous with the brand. Furthermore, the 280C utilized corrosion-resistant steel, a pioneering approach at the time, which significantly improved the vehicle’s durability. Also, the inclusion of safety features like a strengthened passenger cell and crumple zones demonstrated Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in vehicle safety innovations.
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: The 280C was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine (M110 engine).
- Configuration: The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design which was relatively advanced for its time.
- Power Output: It produced approximately 160 horsepower (119 kW) at 5500 rpm.
- Torque: The torque output was around 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) at 4500 rpm.
- Fuel System: The engine utilized Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection. Providing improved efficiency and smoother engine performance compared to earlier carbureted models.
- Transmission: The standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, with an optional 3-speed automatic transmission available.
- Top Speed: The 280C could achieve a top speed of about 118 mph (190 km/h), making it quite fast for its class during that era.
- Acceleration: It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 9.5 seconds.
Chassis and Handling
- Suspension: The front suspension was fully independent with double wishbones and coil springs. While the rear featured a semi-trailing arm setup, also with coil springs. This provided a balance of comfort and handling precision.
- Braking System: It was equipped with power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, offering superior stopping power and durability.
- Steering: The car used power-assisted recirculating ball steering, which was typical for luxury vehicles of that time, providing a smooth steering feel.
Interior Features
- Seating: The interior offered luxurious seating upholstered in high-quality leather or MB-Tex (a durable synthetic leather), with wood veneer accents on the dashboard and door panels.
- Comfort Features: Standard features included power windows, air conditioning, a central locking system, and an optional electric sliding sunroof.
- Instrumentation: The dashboard was equipped with an array of gauges, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, along with warning lights for critical system checks.
Exterior Dimensions
- Overall Length: Approximately 184.6 inches (4690 mm).
- Width: Around 70.3 inches (1785 mm).
- Height: Approximately 56.3 inches (1430 mm).
- Wheelbase: 108.3 inches (2750 mm).
- Weight: Roughly 3,240 pounds (1470 kg), which affected its performance and fuel economy.
Safety Features
- Construction: The 280C featured a safety-focused body construction with front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy in a collision.
- Interior Safety: It also included a padded dashboard and a collapsible steering column to enhance passenger safety during accidents.
A Legacy on the Track: The Racing Pedigree of the 280C
Although not primarily known for its racing heritage. Versions of the W114 were used in various rally and touring car competitions. Showcasing the versatility and durability of Mercedes-Benz engineering. Notably, the robust nature of the 280C’s engine and chassis made it a suitable candidate for endurance racing. Where it performed admirably. Additionally, the 280C’s participation in motorsport further solidified Mercedes-Benz’s reputation as a manufacturer capable of producing not only luxury cars but also reliable performance vehicles.
OUR OTHER INVENTORY
The Timeless Classic: The Enduring Significance of the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C
Finally, the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C stands as a symbol of classic automotive design and engineering excellence. It not only represents a key era in Mercedes-Benz’s history. But also continues to receive celebration from collectors and enthusiasts around the world for its elegance, performance, and pioneering technology. Moreover, the enduring popularity of the 280C underscores its significant impact on the luxury coupe market, influencing subsequent generations of Mercedes-Benz designs.
