1974 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

280 Sedan

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

Looking for a super clean vintage Mercedes? You found one. This car was well cared for by the two previous owners. Rare MB "dunkelblau" (dark blue) with a medium brown MB-Tex interior. I rescued it from a residential garage in Georgia after not being driven since 2005. After a bit of TLC it is back to life and ready for a new home. I have quite a bit of paperwork on the car - everything from oil changes to a brake system overhaul. The gentleman I got it from appears to have saved every last scrap of paper since obtaining the car in the 80s in upstate NY and bringing it south. Garaged and properly maintained until his health forced him to park it. I've tuned it, cleaned it inside and out and put it back on the road. Recent work includes: Complete fuel system clean/repair Solex carb tune Valve adjustment New porcelain fuses New Bosch plugs, wires, distributor, points and rotor Oil change and lube New 60 month battery AC recharge and test Exterior polish and wax The legendary MB 110 inline six runs well. It starts on the first turn once warm but you do have to pump it a bit when cold. Oil use is about average for the age - plan on valve seals at some point. I've set the valves per spec and they are (typical) noisy when cold. I've been told you can set the gap tighter and quiet them a bit, but I went for spec. The previous owner had the rings done about ten years ago, so I expect any oil use is valve related. These engines are known for that. Drivable as-is, or you can renew the seals. Tires are nearly new in appearance. I'd say there is less than 1000 miles on them. No dry rot or cracking noted and the car was stored indoors for the last six years. I'd expect they'd last another five years without any trouble. There is a spare in the well and another in the trunk also. I guess they kept the best two at the last tire change. Amazingly, nearly everything works on the car. The vacuum locks (4 doors and trunk) work perfectly and hold vacuum for several days. All power windows work but the driver's window track is worn. Goes up and down fine, but you have to keep an eye on it to be sure it tracks straight. One time in ten you might have to guide it with your hand. The AC blows ice cold and will freeze you out with a fresh charge. I charged it about a month ago and it has leaked down, so new O-rings are likely in order. No noted leaks on the high or low pressure hoses. The compressor bearing is noisy and would benefit from an overhaul. The driver's seat is in need of some new stuffing. Mercedes used an organic horsehair type filler and over time it got dry and crunchy. The passenger and rear seats are fine. The carpet set is original and in very good condition as is the headliner. There is one crack on the dash pad and the front center speaker needs a new cover. The clock does not work and the odometer works when it wants to. The previous owner told me this was the case in his last few years of driving. Shows about 80K now, but I bet it is closer to 100,000. The fuel gauge shows the proper quantity but bounces at times - likely a bad ground. There are receipts in the paperwork for a fuel tank overhaul and new sending unit from MB. Other past work includes a nearly complete brake system overhaul - pipes, calipers, flex lines - the works. Fully functional now. The car stops straight and true. There are also receipts for a driver floor pan repair and some body panel replacement and full paint. This was elective bodywork by the previous owner - no known accidents. The paint (as you can see in the photos) shined up well but I'd still call it a ten-footer due to a few blemishes and a ding here and there. All glass is good but there are two tiny rock chips on the windshield. No rust noted in any of the typical places - a true survivor. If you are looking at this ad and reading all of this, you are probably a MB enthusiast like me. These cars were incredibly well built and are actually quite enjoyable to work on. Finding a rust-free runner in good condition is getting harder and harder to do. I considered keeping this car for that reason, but my project/toy count is a bit above the upper limit at the moment... NADA values the classic 1974 280 at $5150 in Average condition, $7500 in Excellent condition. I'd say this 280 is average to better, but have chosen to price the Buy-it-Now right at Low Retail ($3500) At this price you can do the needed repairs and have a car in nearly excellent condition for well below book value. More than fair for a weekend or even daily driver classic MB that you can be proud to own. This car makes good sense for an easy to own classic that will hold its value in the years to come. Drive it and enjoy. I am happy to help with shipping arrangements and have several good contacts in the industry. All cost of transport are the buyer's responsibility. Feel free to call me with any questions you may have at (843) 321-1648. Please note there is a $500 deposit by Paypal required within 24 hours of purchase or auction end. Full payment within seven days, but I can store the car for up to 30 days if paid in full. Thanks for looking!