1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Hearse

Continuing this weeks theme of strange builds from coachwork companies, I present to you none other than a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE. This W116 comes to us from the hills of Italy with the first ever “mayoral guarantee” I’ve seen attached to a description for a car listing. I can only assume a guarantee from a mayor of an Italian village is basically worth as much as the Sistine Chapel itself. Of course, as with any other custom conversion, this hearse has a bunch of odd things about it and me wondering if anyone ever actually buys these things. So let me try to break everything down before my mind wonders to the next crazy creation.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Hearse on eBay

Year: 1972
Model: 280SE Hearse
Engine: 3.0 inline-5 cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: Unknown
Price: Auction

 

I am advertising this to the mayor of my village in Italy, where i have a Holiday Home.. The vehicle is in Italy at the moment and if anybody is interested

Can be viewed at location. Sounds daunting however you can get a flight to Pescara from £31, each leg and takes only a little over an hour. I live in Devon, it would take longer and more expensive if one is coming from London. Do the math!
I have seen the car once when a local neighbour died and it looks very posh and the Mayor guarantee in perfect working order. I would vouch for his word because he is a honest respectable person, who supported me 100% when I bought my farm there and I trust he as my neighbour would never stir me wrong.

As to delivery or pick up. I imagine who view the car would want to drive it back but if one don’t have the time, I offer the service for delivery, providing travel expenses are met.

I personally vouch for the integrity of the car and if one buy’s and feel it does not meet the expected stander, it doesn’t have to take it. But I am sure it would meet your needs for whatever purpose.

Also arriving in Pescara Airport, you can get a train to Vasto in less then an hour where pick up can be arranged. There is a local B&B for 20 Euro’s per night.

I hope this clarifies better and please do not hesitate to contact me for further questions.

Thanks for considering.

I’m really surprised to see this is a very early 1972, the first year for the W116, that was probably taken straight to the coach builder for the conversion. It’s as bare-bones a model as I’ve ever seen, with manual everything along with no radio and no air conditioning. What is even more surprising is that if you are wondering why the straight-six M110 engine looks a little odd it’s because it has been tossed away for none other than the legendary OM617. This looks to be the OM617.910 or OM617.912 because it is the non-turbo model from probably a W115 or W123 300D. It isn’t getting you or the deceased anywhere fast but of course it is robust as granite. This is a little odd in my eyes, but I guess they didn’t mind a little soot on the coffin every now and then. Also, I should mention that this W116 has the wheels from the W126 which I’m not a huge fan of as I much prefer a clean set of the 14 inch Bundts.

I honestly don’t know who buys cars like these. I guess if you wanted a wagon you could strip out all the cabin rollers and giant a bit of storage space but a W123 wagon would serve you just as well. The car looks presentable on the outside but the interior has seen better days with heavy wear in some spots. I don’t know if  anyone is lining up to bid on this W116 for 5,000 GBP ($6,435), but who knows how much that mayoral tax guarantee is worth, maybe it could be worth someone’s while.

– Andrew