1973 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

4.5 Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

Beautiful 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE with the desirable 4.5 liter V-8. This strong, smooth-running 280 is an absolute joy to drive. Hard to find in this condition, this car will not disappoint. The color alone makes people stop and stare. The unmistakable Mercedes rumble from the big V8 will cause heads to turn as well. The pictures speak for themselves. This is not a show car - it has the odd ding or chip here and there, but overall it is in very, very nice condition. The original interior is a bit sun faded, but is otherwise near-perfect. The headliner, door panels, carpets, seats are all clean and tidy. The rear seat front panel has a 1" tear on the lower apron, but that is it for damage. The carpets are clean and the under matting is intact and dry. All interior woodwork is intact and is in excellent condition - amazing for a near 40 year old car. All windows roll up and down smartly - no slow or sloppy action. All door and window seals are in place and are servicable. The interior lights work on the door and dash switches. The seat belt buzzer works for both front seats. The child safety locks on the rear doors and window defeat system functions perfectly. All dash gauges work as they should. All instrument panel lights work. The power antenna works. The rear window defogger works. The duo-tone horns both blow. The woodwork is as good as it looks in the photos and the dash panel has no cracks. Amazing. You'll note in the pictures that some photos show the original Becker Europa radio - it has been replaced with a new AM/FM/CD with four new speakers. The old Becker is included with the car if you are after originality. It works when it wants to, and not well when it does. The new system sounds great. The real strength of this car is the engine and driveline. It starts instantly and runs strong. No smoke, no clunks, no hesitation. The trans shifts smoothly and acceleration to 80 mph and beyond is swift. Steering is hands-off, even at speed and it stops straight ahead - even when you stand on it. No ABS - just good German engineering. I've recently serviced the typical tune-up items (Bosch plugs, distributor, rotor) and converted the original points and Bosch coil to a Pertronix electronic ignition and Flamethrower coil. I'll include the original points and coil if you'd prefer the car as stock. Both systems function perfectly. This Mercedes is one of the earliest fuel-injected motors, and the system works exactly as it should. I've cleaned the injectors and trigger points to make certain the car is performing up to its potential. The engine bay is immaculate and all wiring, tubes, hoses, etc. are neat and tight. The AC system functions perfectly - I'm in South Carolina and it is used pretty much any time we're in the car. The R12 system has been converted and charged. The fan works on all speeds and the thermostat (and little green indicator light) is fully functional. The tires are Michelins and have at least 75% life left. No uneven wear or scuffs. The exhaust is free of holes and all clamps/brackets are intact. Brakes appear to be newer, and as mentioned above, work perfectly. The car is an excellent driver. Paint is very good, but not original. A couple of chips/nicks but nothing to detract from the overall appearance. Miles are correct and documented and the title (in my name) certifies "Actual Miles". The title I got with the car was certified the same. I have maintenance records indicating the 30,000 mile service was done in the late 80's. This car was sold new in FL and has never left the south that I know of. Given the condition, this car has enjoyed a very good service record. I bought it for my wife for a driver and we've had some fun with it, but I'm on to a new project now and need to make room. It is a get-in-and-drive car, not a restoration project. Even the trunk light works. Feel free to call me with any questions you may have. I've priced the car slightly above "Good" but not all the way to "Excellent" based on NADA Classic Values. I feel this is very fair for a vintage Mercedes in this condition. (843) 321-1648. I'm happy to help arrange shipping if you'd like and can help with loading, but shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility. The car is advertised for sale elsewhere and I reserve the right to end the auction in the event of a sale.