MARKET ANALYSIS
W108 / W109 (1965 to 1973)

The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109, manufactured globally between 1965 and 1973, represent the final generation of the elegant, understated Paul Bracq-designed S-Class predecessors, with a total of 383,072 units produced. While the W108 utilised conventional steel-spring suspension and standard wheelbase lengths, the W109 was a technical powerhouse exclusively fitted with self-levelling air suspension and a lengthened chassis, culminating in the monstrous 300SEL 6.3 which successfully shoehorned a limousine V8 into an executive sedan body. In the 2026 Australian market, the W108/W109 series has attained a high level of desirability, particularly for original, Australian-delivered 280SE 3.5 and 300SEL 6.3 models, which are increasingly viewed as "blue-chip" classic investments. The buyer pool in Australia is remarkably robust, consisting of heritage-focused collectors who prize the model's peerless build quality and performance enthusiasts who target the 6.3 as the spiritual ancestor of the modern AMG saloon. Locally, market value remains exceptionally firm for well-preserved survivors, as 2026 buyers are prioritising vehicles with a documented service history from specialists like Bernie Smith Classic Cars in Melbourne or Oldtimer Australia to ensure the intricate pneumatic systems and mechanical fuel injection are in peak order. The Australian community also boasts a sophisticated restoration scene, where many owners opt for "sympathetic" upgrades to modern electronic ignition and cooling systems to better suit our harsh local driving conditions. For the Australian aficionado, the W108/W109 is a masterclass in timeless design and engineering integrity, continuing to be a celebrated fixture at premier events like Motorclassica and within the Mercedes-Benz Club of Australia.
The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109, manufactured globally between 1965 and 1973, represent the final generation of the elegant, understated Paul Bracq-designed S-Class predecessors, with a total of 383,072 units produced. While the W108 utilised conventional steel-spring suspension and standard wheelbase lengths, the W109 was a technical powerhouse exclusively fitted with self-levelling air suspension and a lengthened chassis, culminating in the monstrous 300SEL 6.3 which successfully shoehorned a …
Model years for Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1965 to 1973)

1971 Mercedes-Benz (W108) 280 SE 3.5
26,990 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Lower Templestowe, VIC
$15,250
Auction
Feb 25, 2026
1970 Mercedes-Benz (W109) 300 SEL 6.3
92,593 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Malaga, WA
$36,000
Auction
Jan 29, 2026
1971 Mercedes-Benz (W109) 300SEL 6.3
41,009 km
🇦🇺Melbourne, Victoria
$81,000
Auction
Dec 19, 2021
1968 MERCEDES-BENZ (W108) 250S
35,926 km • Manual • RHD
🇦🇺Sydney , New South Wales
$15,000
Auction
Feb 09, 2022
1969 MERCEDES-BENZ (W108) 300 SEL 6.3
13,838 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Belhus, WA
$40,350
Auction
Jul 25, 2022
1969 MERCEDES-BENZ (W109) 300 SEL 6.3
36,676 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Melbourne, VIC
$59,500
Auction
May 01, 2023
1971 MERCEDES-BENZ (W109) 300 SEL 3.5
147,911 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Hillcrest, QLD
$46,000
Auction
Jun 08, 2023
1972 Mercedes-Benz (W109) 300 SEL 6.3
272,035 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Wandana Heights, VIC
$57,000
Auction
Nov 12, 2023
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1972 Mercedes-Benz (W108) 280 SE 3.5 V8
55,336 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Mentone, VIC
$21,750
Auction
Dec 06, 2023
1969 Mercedes-Benz (W109) 300 SEL 6.3
172,655 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺North Rocks, NSW
$63,000
Auction
Jun 11, 2025
1971 Mercedes-Benz (W109) 300 SEL 6.3 - 7.1L V8
84,458 km • Automatic • RHD
🇦🇺Rose Bay, NSW
$80,500
Auction
Sep 22, 2025