In the 1970s, Mercedes-Benzes were hewn from solid chunks of granite and had mechanical lifespans measured in centuries. These cars were over-built and over-engineered like few cars ever have been. The number of these cars still puttering along in third-world countries despite minimal maintenance is evidence to their tank-like construction.
This Petrolicious video shows Bernard Bredehorn and his beloved 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280S/8. That alphabet soup means that this Benz is powered by a 2.8L six-cylinder engine with a carburetor instead of fuel injection.
Bredehorn’s car was completely torn down for restoration, but the engine and transmission never came apart. All the bearings are the same bearing installed by Mercedes in June 1972.
