1973 Mercedes-Benz 280C - Coupe

Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

11407312002516

Gasoline

1973 Mercedes-Benz 280C Coupé – A Collector’s Dream Original Condition Gem: Original Paint/Original Interior The 38-Year-Old Virgin This is a no reserve auction. The highest bidder will own this truly stunning car. Experts agree: the most durable Mercedes cars ever built are those of the New Generation W114/115 series, commonly known as Strich Acht ("slash eight"), introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show of 1967. Manufactured for almost a decade, Mercedes' New Generation cars were as safe and solid as Swiss bank vaults, destined to live forever. Exceptional longevity, utility, and value aside, what a collector also wants is a car that elevates one's heartbeat by its sheer presence alone. Luckily, in 1969 Mercedes added the 280C to the /8 family: elegantly styled Hardtop Coupés in a class of their own. These W114 Coupés were built in limited numbers, sharing the sedans' wheelbase, and providing plenty of space for five full-grown passengers and copious amounts of luggage. These wonderful cars have been sought after by collectors for some time now. Doing daily duties for three decades or more, few have always enjoyed the perpetual pampering of very caring owners, coddling this car like a favorite child. Few have been stored in a climate controlled garage, never been repainted or reupholstered, never been involved in as much as a parking lot mishap. The car being offered here would just be what a collector lusts for: a virginal, all original Coupé, a survivor in the truest sense of the word; never restored because it is not in need of restoration. This is the proverbial "needle in a haystack," an investment-grade Mercedes right here in beautiful Southern California. Not only is it a top-of-the-line 280C with its marvelous M110 TWIN CAM engine, but a 1973 model, the only year a Coupe was available with this engine and the first-generation body featuring the classic chrome bumpers and mirror, vent windows, and smooth taillights. Special? You bet! Built in January 1973, VIN 114.073-12-002516 was sold new on June 30, 1973 by Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood, Calif. to an aerospace engineer from nearby Pasadena. One of only 4,196 U.S. 280C Coupés built that year, the car stayed with its original owner for over 30 years, eventually being passed on to his daughter, then to me when I purchased it approximately 4 years ago. Of course, I carried on the tradition of pampering this car – storing it indoors with my other classics, car cover always on so as to avoid even indoor dust; never ever driving it in wet weather or even extremely hot weather. This 280C certainly is one of the finest examples of its kind in the World, being completely original and untouched (except for consumables), and featuring superbly preserved paint, upholstery, and chrome. As any collector would hope for, all books and manuals will come with this car. Neatly tucked into the original tan vinyl pouch, they include: Metal Protect-o-Plate Original Vehicle Data Card Owner's Manual Service and Warranty Policy Faithfully stamped Maintenance Booklet M-B Dealers Directory BECKER radio instructions and dealer list HIRSCHMANN Antenna Booklet Befitting such a mind-boggling survivor, the Coupé proudly displays its irreplaceable, original-issue, six-digit, blue-and-yellow California license plates. Always driven sparingly, an average of only 2,600 miles was added to the odometer in each of the past 37 years, just about enough to keep the vital fluids circulating. The mileage of 97,988 shown on the odometer is fully documented. Please, follow me while I inspect this truly exciting automobile thoroughly, starting with the exterior. Examining the sleek body lines, you might realize that the Coupé's roofline is lower than the sedan's. Mercedes Benz actually "chopped" the top by about two inches for a sportier look, a styling cue later copied by many automakers for their coupes. The original glossy green paint (code 860) still shines like when it was applied in Stuttgart, Germany, back in '73; I see no annoying dings or dents anywhere. The doors still close with the characteristic Mercedes Benz sound that no other automaker has ever been able to duplicate. All glass is in superb condition. All four side windows are power operated and can be lowered completely, turning the 280C into a true Hardtop Coupé. Both vent wing windows operate smoothly as well. Complimenting the classic exterior are beautifully preserved, dated-coded 6 x 14" steel wheels, complete with painted and polished stainless wheel covers. Tires all around (including the spare) are the correct, expensive MICHELIN XZXs of the size 185 HR 14. Tires have not been exchanged with the (much cheaper) 195/70-14 size: another telltale indicator of this car’s amazing originality! Yes, both backup lights work, as do all of the other lights, including the license plate lights, of course. The inside of the gas filler door still displays all factory labels. The vast and roomy trunk is big enough to swallow several bicycles at once. Its rust free floor is still protected by the--fantastically preserved--original gray rubber trunk mat. Spare tire, jacking equipment, and all the 'hidden corners' that nobody ever cares to inspect are clean as a whistle. More details: Perfect original trunk floor Green cloth tool roll with unused factory tools Date-coded factory spare with matching MICHELIN 185 HR14 tire Moving on to the engine compartment, I notice how clean everything is. Even the hood insulation mat looks flawless. Filling the engine bay is the only twin-cam, 6-cylinder power plant Mercedes has ever made. It's a feast for the eyes, almost as beautiful as the company's Kompressor engines of the glorious 1930s. This Mercedes' 2.8-liter DOHC motor was equipped by the factory with dual timing chains and dual Solex downdraft carburetors. There are no fault-prone computers, no electronic throttle sensors, no black boxes, but there’s enough power to spin the rear wheels on demand. I am happy to report that I see no fluid leaks; there are no untoward noises, smoking habits, or bad behavior of any kind. Being a 1973, this car was just spared from the ever-tightening DOT safety regulations and emission requirements of later years. 280Cs, like this one, are far more desirable than the later cars. Ready to look inside? Big "ocean liner" steering wheel with full horn ring is beautifully preserved and crack free, and so is the dashboard. Lights, switches, power windows: everything works flawlessly. Illuminated heater levers look perfect and move smoothly. The air conditioning, retrofitted to R134a refrigerant, delivers cold air on demand and the heating system is working just as efficiently. All gauges look absolutely new and work flawlessly, including the clock. The interior exudes all the congeniality, warmth, and friendliness of the Munich Hofbräuhaus. Solid elegance is the main theme; richly embossed, moss green Mercedes Benz -TEX (instead of cheap Naugahyde), a clean headliner, chrome-plated fittings, real Zebrano wood accents, and the traditional square weave carpeting provide a cozy atmosphere. Legroom is otherworldly. Even a 6'5" giant finds plenty of space and will agree that the W114 is one of the most comfortable cars in the world, Rolls-Royce saloons included. Details, details: Original MB-Tex interior is flawlessly preserved, including the most vulnerable sections on the driver's seat Original BECKER Europa radio works perfectly, as does the green control light for the air conditioning system Ash tray has never been used All interior lights work There's not a single rip in the headliner or sun visors The build quality of the 280C is unsurpassed; even a brand new Mercedes-Benz could not hold a candle to the achievement of the /8-series. Sad but true: they don't make 'em like this anymore. As for this particular car, everything proves to be fantastically preserved and ready for another lifetime of use. Fantastic interior and exterior aside, what matters most on a 38-year-old automobile is the condition of its undercarriage. Needless to say, this California native has never needed any rust repair. Not an ounce of non-factory undercoating spoils the perfect picture. Better yet, this Mercedes still shows its factory green paint underneath. Impressed? So was I. Trying to bring the rather flexible term "clean" into perspective, you have to consider almost four decades of use; driving on dusty, dirty roads. Think of gravel and debris being flung around everywhere. It would have to be a miracle if the factory paint deep down under there could survive like this. But it did, amazingly, which eloquently speaks about the incredible care this Mercedes has always received. This is a stunning car, no doubt. But what's it like, driving this show piece in today's traffic? Let us find out! Tuesday, November 16, 2010 was another perfect fall day here in Los Angeles. I took this Mercedes Coupé on a trip along the coast to the luxury Terranea Resort. This Benz hummed along happily, displaying perfect road manners, thanks to its precise power steering and smooth-shifting, advanced automatic transmission with fluid coupling. Large, 4-wheel disc brakes anchor the car with the authority of the Space Shuttle’s parachute. Admiring looks, thumbs up, and many smiles along the way confirmed what I knew already: everybody loves this car! If you are a person of impeccable taste, someone who appreciates a pampered survivor more than today's dernier cri, which fades so quickly, this rare Mercedes Hardtop might be just the car for you. If you enjoy cruising along quiet country lanes, side windows lowered, a warm spring breeze tugging at your hair, you might fall in love with this unique automobile. If you love German ruggedness and value a car that's sophisticated in design and accouterments, but mechanically straightforward, you could fit the owner profile of this beautiful investment-grade Mercedes 280C. Being a 1973 model, this fine motorcar is smog exempt in California (and most other states) and qualifies for utmost affordable Classic Car Insurance. That said, this 280C is not an entry level Mercedes; rather, it is one of the finest W114 models in the country, and deserves a new owner who will cherish and preserve it. A car is original only once, and in the long run, it surely pays off to buy the best original car you can find. Disclosures and Disclaimers – by bidding you attest that you have read, acknowledge, and accept the following: The odometer reading at time of delivery may vary ever slightly due to road resting. The wheel covers have minor scrapes and dings but still look as good as you see in the pictures. The rear seat armrest pull strap is just barely starting to tear. A trim shop should be able to stitch that right up like new. The driver’s side carpet foot pad is starting to fray a little. Again, a trim shop should be able to easily remedy that. I have described this vehicle to the best of my ability and disclosed what I know but I make no warranties whatsoever, express or implied. I encourage you to inspect the vehicle or have someone inspect it for you prior to bidding. Your bid consummates a legally binding contract obligating you to follow through with the transaction and purchase the vehicle, regardless of defects or failures unknown to me and/or not disclosed herein. Shipping and delivery is the responsibility of the buyer (winning bidder), although I will facilitate and cooperate in any way I can. Please note that I will not and cannot be responsible for vehicle damage or theft after the car is handed over to your car carrier/transporter or your agent, pursuant to your instructions. If you are not picking up the vehicle in person, I ask that any instructions for me to turn the car over to a transporter or third party be given by email or other written form. If the vehicle is being picked up by a transporter or third party without your being present, for security reasons, I will overnight the title to you separately once funding has cleared. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. Once the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this vehicle if you are serious about owning it and have the funds readily available. A $500 deposit is due via PayPal within 48-hours of auction end and the remaining balance is due via a secured funding method within 7 days of auction end. Please note that cashiers check must clear prior to delivery of vehicle. Thus, cashiers check cannot be used to pay simultaneously with in-person pick up. It will have to be sent in advance with ample time to clear the bank. This car is sold As Is and Where Is. There are no warranties whatsoever express or implied. There are no contingencies in this auction. You bid to own. Lastly, this vehicle is being offered for sale locally. I reserve the right to end the auction early due to a local sale. If you want the car and don’t want to lose out due to early auction termination, call me at (310) 951-8090 for the local sales price. Thanks for your consideration.