Let’s explore the luxurious Mercedes-Benz 280 SE that soccer legend Pelé received as a gift from the carmaker to honor his remarkable achievements.
Known worldwide as Pelé, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the Brazilian soccer star, enjoyed immense fаme and success throughout the 20th century until his passing in December 2022 at the age of 82. As tributes and condolences poured in from across the globe, we fondly remembered the classic cars left behind by this legendary figure, including our personal favorite – the 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W108. Despite growing detached from his car collections due to age and illness, Pelé had still actively served as a brand ambassador for the Volkswagen Group in Brazil as recently as 2014, emphasizing the company’s corporate social responsibilities.
Pelé’s fascination with cars dates back to his teenage years when, at the age of 18, he took his first driving test in a DKW Vemag, which later became part of Audi’s legacy. Over the years, he received car gifts from several prestigious German automakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Among these, the Mercedes 250 W114 and the 280 SE W108 were some of the most notable offerings.
As Pelé’s soccer career soared during the 1960s and ’70s, so did the caliber of the vehicles he received. While other sports stars cruised in flashy Ferraris and Lamborghinis, Pelé roamed the roads of Brazil in his iconic VW Beetle, an ever-popular and iconic vehicle. However, as his soccer achievements reached new heights, he was presented with more opulent gifts, exemplified by the two Mercedes-Benz models.
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W108, designed by the renowned French automotive designer Paul Bracq in the mid-1960s, left a lasting impression on Pelé and car enthusiasts alike. Equipped with either six- or eight-cylinder engines and available in standard or long wheelbase versions with luxurious leather interiors, the 280 SE delivered a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its single-joint swing axle suspension.
For Pelé, who served as a UN goodwill ambassador and a Volkswagen Group ambassador from 2013 until his passing, Mercedes-Benz offered nothing but the best. The W108, produced between 1965 and 1972 (1965-1973 for the North American market), represented a worthy gift for the man who achieved an incredible 1,283 goals in 1,363 games, with 1,091 of them scored for Santos FC, making it one of the football clubs with the most goals in history.
Propelled by a 2.8-liter single OHC inline six-cylinder engine, the 280 SE provided a respectable 158 horsepower. Although it might not have been the fastest car on the road, it holds the prestigious title of being the precursor to the famous S-Class Mercedes-Benz, the best-selling luxury sedan worldwide.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W108 remаins a cherished reminder of Pelé’s illustrious career and the recognition he received from esteemed automakers for his exceptional contributions to the world of soccer.