1973 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

280SE 4.5 Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

10806712015042

Gasoline

CLASSIC 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5L 4-door sedan. W-108 body style. Odometer shows 70880 miles, but it was not working when I purchased the car, so I am sure that mileage is inaccurate. I had the odometer repaired, so it is working now. No dents, very minimal rust (see close-up pictures of passenger's side), 1 minor paint blem on back side of left rear fender. All chrome is excellent, as pictures show. Overall French Vanilla paint condition is good, and with care should last several more years. Everything works except the clock, including the A/C, even though these A/C units were made only for models exported to the USA and not made by Mercedes, so none of them work as well as their counterparts in American cars. Sony aftermarket stereo installed. CD player skips once in awhile but AM/FM works fine, and power antenna works but sometimes has to be assisted going all the way down. Engine runs strong, and transmission shifts are positive. Like most of these fine sedans, the faster you go, the more the car likes it, and the more YOU like it. The one mechanical flaw it does have is that the steering feels a little loose, and that will have to be addressed sometime in the future. However, I have driven this car at 100 mph on the Nevada highways, and it never worried me to do it. This is not to say I drive it much. I have owned it for six or seven years, and have only put about 800 miles on it. I drive it only to keep the cylinders lubricated and the battery up. I originally bought this car as a surprise anniversary present for my wife, because early in our marriage we had one just like it, but, alas, she prefers to drive her more modern Grand Cherokee. It was an expensive, sentimental, but unfortunately not well thought-out purchase. When I bought it, it came from Palm Desert, California, but I do not know its history before that, and do not have service records prior to my purchasing it. I paid $10,500.00 for it, and put at least $3000.00 into mechanical repairs and rust abatement at a very reputable independent Mercedes-Benz repair facility. It mostly sits in the garage, which is a shame, because these cars should be driven. I have owned many 1969-1976 Mercedes-Benz automobiles over the years, and it is a shame that cars are no longer built with the quality of those from the '60s and early '70s. This 1973 model year was the last of the hand-built Mercedes-Benz models. The tires are in excellent condition, and the chrome wheels alone are worth $1000.00. The interior is leather, not MB Tex, and there are no rips or tears. No surprises under the sheepskin seat covers in the front, and no cracks in the dashboard. The moonroof works perfectly and does not leak. The interior wood on the dash is very good -- that around the door windows is not as good but still perfectly serviceable. All in all it is a beautiful car, and one that deserves a better life than the one it has now. Lucky high bidder to arrange and pay for transportation from Reno, NV to wherever it is to go. Non-refundable $500.00 deposit accepted through PayPal. Final payment by cashiers' check or money order only -- NO EXCEPTIONS. Good luck and Happy Bidding! On Nov-15-11 at 10:18:35 PST, seller added the following information: NOTE: This vehicle is also advertised for sale locally, and may be sold if a satisfactory offer is received before my reserve price is met on eBay.On Nov-27-11 at 10:37:07 PST, seller added the following information: EXCEPTION TO FINAL PAYMENT METHOD FOR FOREIGN BIDDERS: In the event that a bidder from a country outside the USA wins the auction, balance of payment will be accepted through Escrow.com. Buyer and seller will each pay one-half of all escrow fees through Escrow.com. However, buyer will be responsible for ALL foreign taxes, customs fees, and any other charges incurred due international sales and shipping. In the event that buyer does not accept car upon arrival, buyer to pay ALL charges to ship car back to seller.