The naming convention of Vintage Merc's, always throws me. Right when I think I have it down, I find out that 250's can be both w114's and w108's. First time I saw this I thought it was a typo...

And I thought /8's started in 68 (earliest 67)?

Anyway, check this recent review of the 66 250s (w108) out:

Curbside Classic: 1966 Mercedes 250S (W108) – Cadillac Und Lincoln Kaput

Jub

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Current:
1971 Mercedes Benz 250 (Euro Spec)
1972 Mercedes Benz 250 (US Spec)
Past:
1972 Mercedes Benz 280

Yes, it is started in 1968 (/8 meant for 1968).

But in a whole, "/8" was a designation for the all models started in 1968.
For example, here is ID plate of the 05/1967 230 SL:


And here is ID plate of the 04/1968 280 SL:

There were 250 114 models, and 250S 108 models. The lack of the S specifies the chassis. Also the case with the 280 (stroke 8 or 280S, 280SE etc.) The big differences being that there were also 111 modeled cars as well, including in the 70s, but those were coupes/cabrios.

This doesn't include what mercedes classified as roadsters (SLs)

As confusing as this sounds, it's much simpler than modern MB naming schemas.

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

Nice.

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Current:
1971 Mercedes Benz 250 (Euro Spec)
1972 Mercedes Benz 250 (US Spec)
Past:
1972 Mercedes Benz 280

And don't forget the 280E which was a 123 car. Or the 280S 116.

But back to the original question.... Sometimes Mercedes played rather fast and loose with the year models back then. Actually not Mercedes but some of the US dealers which during that time sold Mercedes as an addition to their original line of cars.

And some states got into the act when it came to confusing titles. The date the car was sold came into play on some Euro cars, and typographical errors are also not unknown.

The 116 was the S-Class chassis replacement for the S-Class 108/109 chassis so a 280S is normal for 116 delegation. The 123 was the "E-Class" (not yet defined as an E) as was the 114/115... So again, 280E just indicates Einspritzen (Fuel injection) and nothing else for the model code

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

My understanding is that the S stands for Sonderklasse or "Special Class". There is the 220S Ponton and the 220Sb Fintail. There is also a 220 of that era that did not have elaborate chrome trim and had bakelight interior bits that are wood on the S models.

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1962 220Sb ~ The Emerald Bullet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx6tN1W48_o
1957 Ponton 220S
2001 S600 Daily Driver
The Universe is Abundant ~ Life is GOOD!http://www.classiccarclock.com

I know. I have owned both, but I was just trying to silly up the thread since the OP seems to be new to the brand and I get the impression they are having trouble sorting out the Mercedes way of doing things back then.

And.... When my 280E 123 was hit I was wondering what to do with the remains. A guy bought the car to do a M110 fuel injected swap into his 114 since he was tired of dealing with the Peirburg/Solex four barrel.