- Works car, in exceptional original condition

- Extremely well prepared

- Extensive documentation, superb competition history

This is the only one of the three 280 E saloons prepared by Mercedes for long-distance rallies to remain in private hands. The adventure began in 1977, when Mercedes decided to enter the London-Sydney Rally, a marathon covering 30,000km across three continents. The competition department prepared three 280 Es and achieved unexpected success, finishing first, second and sixth. The first two cars are now in the Mercedes Museum, and the car presented here is the one which finished sixth, driven by Alfred Kling, Klaus Kaiser and Jörg Leininger.

At the time, this success encouraged Mercedes to continue, and in addition to a 450 SLC programme, the three 280 E saloons also competed in the South American Rally in 1978 (where 450 SLCs took the first two places and this car finished seventh), as well as the East African Safari in 1978 and 1979 (eleventh overall).

What is most amazing is that this car has been preserved as if it had just completed these events, and was only repainted many years ago. Mercedes’ preparation was extremely thorough, with a roll cage, a strengthened body and engine compartment, full underbody guards and protective grilles, sand ladders in place of the bumpers, additional lights, a stripped-out interior, bucket seats with racing harnesses, simplified controls for the ancillary equipment and a Tripmaster. It was a true rally car, designed to withstand the harshest abuse.

It comes with extensive documentation, including magazine articles and photos of the preparation work, while McKlein Publishing, a rally specialist, has published a superb 120-page book retracing its history. In addition, the car has been signed by Andrew Cowan, the winner of the 1977 London-Sydney Rally, and Klaus Kaiser, one of the three drivers of this very car, whom the owner met at the Eifel Rallye Festival.

It is extremely rare to have the chance to buy a genuine works rally car, even more so one which competed with such success. This 280 E therefore represents a unique and unexpected opportunity, from a manufacturer whose reputation in motorsport has few equals.

Photos © Peter Singhof 

https://www.regio-tv.de/mediathek/video/einzigartiges-garagenschaetzchen-mercedes-280e-rallye