1972 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

280SE 4.5 -

8 - Cyl.

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

When Quality Reigned Supreme: 1972 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 Sedan There is no doubt that today's Mercedes Benz "S-Class" automobiles are refined means of personal transportation. They are sleek and aerodynamic--but somehow less appealing than the sedans of the classic era. One is hard-pressed to tell a new Mercedes apart from a BMW or Lexus. Sorely lacking is the old-world build quality and ambiance that made their predecessors--among them the last hand-built sedans, the W108/109 series of the late '60s and early '70s--so famous. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) It is questionable that any of today's sedans will be able to withstand the challenges of time as well as the W108 did, to ever become collectibles in the true sense of the word. In direct comparison, it is utterly fascinating to note just how much character the ultra-comfortable W108 has. A well maintained example will easily hold its own in modern-day traffic, its engine, brakes, and suspension being fully capable of mastering the task. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The attention to detail and the thoughtful manner in which these cars were put together is simply incomparable. Even now, forty years later, a well kept four point five is a very prestigious automobile, on par with a vintage Rolls Royce. The lavish use of chrome-plated and anodized bright work is astounding, and the classic, upright Mercedes radiator grille is topped proudly by the three-pointed star emblem. The 1972 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 Sedan presented here, VIN *108.067-12-011455*, is a wonderfully original, low-mileage survivor. Having covered just 91,905 miles in 39 years, it is a life-long California resident, still wearing its original, 1972-issue California license plates. Let's take a closer look! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Below the long, sculpted hood, inside the spotlessly clean engine bay, rests Mercedes' legendary M 117, cast iron 4.5-liter V-8 motor with overhead camshafts and BOSCH mechanical fuel injection. A definite improvement over the earlier straight six and the somewhat delicate M 116 3.5 liter V-8 power plant, the 'big' V-8 churns out over 200 horsepower with ease. It is designed to cruise effortlessly on the Autobahn at 120mph all day long. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Der Motor always starts on the first turn of the key and runs magnificently, with perfect oil pressure and no ill habits--such as smoking or (oil) drinking--to fret about. To this day, the 4.5 holds a well deserved reputation as the most dependable V-8 ever made by the Swabians from Stuttgart. Without the black boxes and plethora of electronic emission controls that later became necessary to keep up with ever-tightening DOT and EPA government regulations, this engine behaves very much like a 'good old' V-8 from Detroit, but it is, of course, much more refined. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) It's refeshing to see a period Benz that's not dark brown, beige, gold, or light blue. Astral Silver (factory color code 180 G) truly is the classic color of choice for any car from the maker of the famous Silberpfeile. Car has been repainted once, many moons ago, in its original color, due to some sun fading. It has never been in an accident, nor has it suffered from the dreaded rust cancer. Coachwork is arrow straight, finish superbly smooth and glossy; there are no dents, bubbles, or scratches. Apart from a couple of small spots atop the left rear fender that are polished thin, there's nothing to lose sleep over. Brightwork and trim is complete and in very good to excellent condition, as is the weatherstripping and factory tinted glass. Benz rides on its original set of factory 14-inch steel wheels featuring stainless hubcaps with painted centers. Tires are old but attractive whitewall radials with plenty of tread left. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A dashboard worthy of its name: real zebrano wood is amazingly well preserved, displaying a warm glow. Original dash top is still beautiful, witout any warpage or cracking. There is not a single crack in the steering wheel either, a dream come true! Heater control levers are fully functional. A/C is factory unit, not dealer-installed, and it works. Extra-cost options include the Mittelkonsole with shift lever for the floor-shifted automatic transmission and switches for the power windows. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) All the finely detailed gauges work flawlessly, even the clock! Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Dash houses the factory-installed "pinstripe" BECKER Europa BC/FM Stereo radio, which works great. And, there's a nice surprise inside the glove box: a rare BECKER Olympia Stereo cassette tape player! Note Mercedes service booklet and Frigiking air conditioning manual. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ultra-comfortable front seats feature classic black MB-Tex upholstery, which looks like leather, although no cows had to give their lives for it, and wears like barbed wire. There are acres of space in all directions! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Original white headliner with correct heat seams looks fabulous. Apparently, Benz has been a non-smoker car all its life. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Spacious rear compartment. Big 'sofa' features a center armrest. Door panels and carpet look exceptionally nice; parcel shelf shows no sun damage--this Mercedes was always garaged! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The view most motorists on the German Autobahn enjoyed, where the 280SE 4.5 was king in its day. There's a little flaking of the chrome to note on the right rear bumper section, below the license plate light. Blue-and-gold California license plate is original six-digit 1972 issue. It is guaranteed to be original to the vehicle, since it cannot be applied for retroactively. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Before we leave for our test drive, let's take a close look at the trunk and undercarriage. We enjoy finding a well-preserved trunk mat, jacking equipment, and correct spare. But let's dig a bit deeper . . . Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A weak spot of many an old Benz, mainly due to corrosion underneath the rubber trunk mat, often exacerbated by leaky weatherstripping, is the luggage compartment floor. Instead, the picture that presents itself here is another highlight. This car, having lived in California's dry Central Valley all its life, has not suffered from the dreaded trunk rust disease; everything looks factory fresh--the naked trunk floor is truly of reference quality! Of utmost importance: what lies beneath the shiny paint? Luckily, this Mercedes has never been exposed to any of ZIEBART's hide-the-rust products; it's naturally rust free! Looking at the inner fenders, you will find 100% factory paint and even some of the original, Cosmoline protective wax residue. Note recent exhaust system. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Focusing on those hidden areas deep down under, the good news continues. What you see is an honest, rust free undercarriage, thanks to a charmed life devoid of any harsh winters or, God forbid, road salt. Keeping in mind that this car is 39 years old, you'll have to agree that it doesn't get better than this. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Tuesday, February 8 turned out to be another perfect "winter" day here in San Buenaventura. We couldn't wait to fire up the big Benz and leave for our test drive-cum-photo session. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The fuel-injected car starts instantly, idles perfectly, and responds to the lightest driver input. The motor is truly powerful, acceleration is fierce. The automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly. There are no shimmies and rattles, a sure sign of a true low-mileage car. The suspension is supple; all lights and controls work just as you'd expect from Mercedes' flagship. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Like a time machine, driving the SE takes you back to another era, where prestige, power, and West German solidity went hand in hand. Where the purchase of a Mercedes ranked as a long-term investment. In fact, the indestructible W108 sedans were still frequently seen around Beverly Hills until a few years ago, where elegant Ladies (and Gents) emerged from their original cars to frolic in the upscale etablissements . . . These folks surely could afford to purchase a brand-new Mercedes every year, but the old W108 was just too good a car to trade in. It was made to last forever. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are once again enthralled with the Mercedes' amazingly capable performance. They sure don't make 'em this rock-solid anymore. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) For the price of an Asian soapbox that depreciates faster than you can pay it off, you could drive a classic Mercedes S-Class sedan, a blue-plater, straight from sunny Southern California. Safe and solid as a bank vault, it features full power, the most desirable color combination, is eligible for most affordable Classic Car Insurance, and smog-exempt in most States of the Union, too. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Better yet, it is free of depreciation; keep it up nicely, and you will never lose a dime on this one! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require payment of the full amount within 7 days of the end of the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. 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