1970 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

- Low Mile 280 SE - Sedan

M130 Big Six

Automatic

108021812055432

Clear

Gasoline

1970 Mercedes 280SE One owner from new 68K original miles Exceptional example Here up for bids on eBay is this incredibly well preserved Mercedes 280SE.  This car was bought new at Phil Smart Mercedes in Seattle and has had just one owner, a woman who lived north of Seattle in Everett (home to Boeing).   Always garaged, it was used as a second car and the owner was reluctant to drive it in the rain, which in Everett means about 3 seasons of the year.  As a result, the car is like a time capsule and has only 68K original miles. If you follow these W108 sedans on eBay you know that the really good ones are not easy to find, I usually see only 4 or 5 on eBay each year.  A lot of these cars suffered from deferred maintenance, uncaring owners, or rust.  This car is the exception; it comes with a folder of service receipts from new, all from the same mechanic.  It features all original paint with zero rust issues anywhere.  I firmly believe that it's about as close to 1970 showroom new as you'll find.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available to view at the bottom of the page. For having original paint, this car shines.  The paint quality is outstanding; it was recently clay barred, machine polished and hand waxed - the finish is perfection.   Original paint elimates a lot of guesswork about a car's past, this car has no adverse history of any kind.  The body is arrow straight with excellent panel gaps throughout.  I  have been over this car from top to bottom and have found no rust issues anywhere - no bubbling, no blistering - no problems. All lights and lenses are like new. Headlights are the original GE units from new.  Very nice grill, star, and emblem.   The glass is all original, including the windshield.  It's all in excellent condition with no scratches or hard water spotting, although the windshield shows one area of wiper rash down low on the driver's side, visible in the 1st photo below.  All of the window seals are in incredible condition.  These cloth binded seals usually deteriorate over the years, the ones here all have excellent fidelity with no fraying.   Bumpers are in great shape with excellent chrome and no damage. All car's anodized trim still looks great, and all of the chrome on this car is terrific with no pitting. The trunk has the original Continental spare tire and Bilstein jacking equipment.  The underside of the trunk lid shows the factory paint streaks that were common for these cars.  On SL's from this era the underside of the hood looks this way as well - a remnant from a bygone time when factory assembly procedures were not as sterile as today. W108 trunks often serve as a litmus test for the car's history.  One look underneath the mat tells it all. The interior in this Mercedes is like stepping back in time; it's perfectly preserved.  The MB-Tex seats are all original but look like new.  From the carpet to the wood to the headliner, the interior is simply excellent. Steering wheel is in great shape with no spidering or cracks.  The dash wood has an all original finish and looks terrific.  Dash pad is perfect with no splits.  I don't mean to sound effusive here, but this car is just that good. The car has a set of high quality Coco Mats in black sisal.  Underneath, the original carpets are in great shape. Every gauge, switch and control operates correctly except for the clock.  The heater levers were a weak spot in Mercedes from this era, these have been replaced with Dura-levers and all move freely.  The fan control on the upper left slider works correctly at both settings.  The Becker Europa radio works great.  The A/C unit is fully functional but will need a recharge before next summer. Power windows all work swiftly.  The car has a full set of Kangol seat belts, all in like new condition.  You'd be surprised what these sell for on eBay.  The back seat and arm rest are both like new. The Coco Mats add a nice vintage feel to this interior, these were optional add-ons for Mercedes and Porsche automobiles in that era. The headliner is unmarked with no punctures or tears. Lots of nice original details throughout this interior, right down to remants of glue application at the factory (4th photo). Even the inside of the door map pockets are clean, door jambs as well.  All of the wood that frames the windows is in excellent condition with no sun or water damage. All door panels are in great shape.  All of the weatherstripping on the car is original and still holding up beautifully. The sills are a potential trouble spot for rust on these cars, not an issue here. The car comes with service receipts dating back to the 70s, all with the same mechanic.  Also included is a complete assortment of factory literature. This Mercedes runs and drives as well as it looks.  The car starts easily and runs down the road with decorum.  The car shifts precisely, brakes well, runs cool and has a firm, solid suspension.  I drove this car 4 hours on the freeway from Everett to Portland, plus many miles of daily driver use in the weeks afterwards - this car is a pleasure to live with. In the past 3000 miles the car has had a new water pump, radiator servicing, transmission servicing, new brake lines, new shocks, driveline rebuilt and all fluids and filters replaced.  This car is ready for the road. The undercarriage is all original, still showing the cosmoline treatment from the factory.  Never hit, never rusted, this is what a W108 undercarrige should look like. The center muffler is Ansa, the rear muffler is a stainless unit from Borla.  OE Bosch fuel pump replaced 10K miles ago.  Sills and jack points are all solid.  Body-color wheel wells are all in fantastic shape. With each passing year, cars like this are becoming harder to find.  This car is a prime example of what happens when Pride of Ownership meets Mercedes Build Quality. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price: Out of fairness to all bidders, the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you are comfortable paying.  This auction ends Monday, 12-3-12 at at 11 AM Pacific Time , 1 PM Central , 2 PM Eastern, 6 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo CFR / Rinkens California Shipping Thanks for looking!