1985 Mercedes 280SE - RARE EURO-MODEL; DRIVE ANYWHERE, USA COMPLIANT

1985

Mercedes 280SE

Rare European Model

++ 88,150 Original Miles ++

VIN: WDB1260221A144668

Here's another great-running & driving, low-mileage Mercedes we've recently acquired. From the moment I first laid eyes on this unusual sedan, it was obvious that respect and care were given over the years. There aren't many left out there in this condition and brings to mind an old saying from the vintage collector world: "Any car can be restored, given enough time & money, but it can only be factory original once!”

Here's a little background history we've uncovered while going over the car:

This 280SE sold new in March, 1985 at Autohaus Claus GmbH & Co in Pestiach, Germany and was legally imported to the states within weeks. We have the original EPA compliance letter and bond release to go with the title. After passing through the Port of New York it was on to the west coast. The Mercedes has remained with its original owner here in the Pacific Northwest since arrival, always serving as a lightly-driven pleasure car for he and his wife. Now, due to their advancing age, it's time to find the next caretaker.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

So, when was the last time you saw, or have ever come across, a European W126 sedan? I highly doubt you can find another like it here in the U.S. with fewer than 90,000 original miles. I've always appreciated the appearance of these boulevard cruisers in the form their designer intended with the more attractive narrow bumpers. To be clear, this car is legally titled, having been brought to U.S. specs by "Bimmers & Benz" of Glen Cove, NY directly upon arrival. Standard repair parts and service are easily available, the same as any U.S. version. I've got to tell you, having driven the car every day over the past week, what a treat! Where else will you find this kind of luxury, vintage style, safety, mechanical reliability, ease-of-maintenance AND power wrapped up in one gorgeous ride? Please feel free to contact me with questions or to make an offer before the auction ends. My name is Mark and my direct phone number is (206) 914-1173. You're encouraged to come inspect and test drive the 280SE here at my Auburn warehouse. All photos here on this Ebay listing were taken on 03/08/2019.

Ever driven a Mercedes W126-body with the bullet-proof 2.8-liter DOHC engine? Smooth is the word for sure. Smooth powerful acceleration. Smooth handling in the curves or on the highway, too. Look over the photos and you've gotta agree with me what a great find this is. Climb over, under and all around this car - I know you'll come up smiling!! What you see is the result of a wash and vacuum only.

CONDITION

In total, this is a clean, original, well-cared-for, smoke-free vehicle. I take pride in what we offer here on Ebay and feel that you should know as much about the Benz as possible. Accordingly, here are my impressions: Hop in, turn the key, even when cold starting, and the powerful in-line six fires immediately every time. The car idles, runs and drives like a Mercedes is supposed to - instant, strong oil pressure (consistently high, even at idle) smooth up and down shift, a strong battery and charging system, no overheating, absolutely no brake pull to either side and no perceived alignment or suspension issues. Not many W126 models in this 280SE variant made their way to North America. Occasionally one can be sourced from Benz club members or an overseas contact. Having personally owned more than thirty Mercedes over the years, I've developed a great appreciation for their style, mechanical reliability and overall driving experience. THIS CAR RUNS OUT JUST AS IT WAS MEANT TO. I TRULY HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A CLEANER VINTAGE BENZ THAT I'VE LIKED BETTER!! I know you'll be proud to own and drive it as well.

It's quite obvious the sedan has been continuously garaged as it appears to still be in the original silver metallic paint. I'd call it 8.5 out of 10. There are certainly no rust issues, having been kept off snowy roads and away from corroding salt. Both front fenders, the four-wheel wells and all other major metal surfaces appear solid with NO rust bubble coming up under the paint as you'll often find on a Midwest or East Coast vehicle. There are a few expected, very small paint chips and dings here and there, but no large dents. The original factory wheels are straight and true. They're wrapped with newer all-season radials, each having at least 90% remaining tread.

Take another good look at the interior pics. Hop in and feel comfortable sitting on these firm bucket seats for hours as the springs have held up exceptionally well; a rarity on vintage Mercedes. Over the years I've come to appreciate the fabric material used on the Euro-model seats and door panels as it seems to hold up much better than most Mercedes leather. The wood trim is excellent as pictured and you will find absolutely no cracks on the original dash pad - remarkable! There's no evidence of water leakage ever on the headliner or factory carpets. Both the speedo and mileage counters work perfectly; again, these are original 88K miles showing.

Buyers in Europe back in the 1980's had more interior configuration choices than American dealers offered. This 280SE has power front windows (the driver's is a bit sticky) and hand-cranks in the rear. I've never come across a vintage Blaupunkt stereo like this one. It works great, as does the power antenna, and you'll notice the factory cassette storage unit in the console between the front seats. The jack and alloy mounted spare are in the trunk as shown. The original first aid kit still sits safely tucked away in its package shelf storage bin. I've not been able to get the power sunroof to open and would never force it.
I'm always very happy to work with any shipper you choose, and we have experience shipping vehicles all over the world (being an Autobahn cruiser, I won't be surprised if this nice Mercedes ends up going home to Germany!). If you live in the western hemisphere, you might consider doing what many previous buyers from as far away as Alaska, Arizona, the Midwest, Canada, Florida, New York and even the Mexican Baja have done - fly in here to Seattle (We'll pick you up at Sea-Tac International just a few miles away) and then start a road trip home the same day! As a respected Ebay seller with many satisfied online buyers, I want you to bid with confidence knowing that this Benz runs and drives as it should AND that it is being properly represented to you! Please don't be upset if I miss a minor flaw or some small issue comes up on the car as NO used vehicle is perfect. Having said that, I won't hesitate to drive long distance in this Mercedes today!

Please check the photos over closely and call me with any questions BEFORE you place a bid! You're encouraged to stop by, inspect the car at my Auburn, WA warehouse and take it for a test drive. As always, it is being sold "as-is, where-is" with a clean, free & clear title. Because of the amount of money involved with a vehicle purchase, I reserve the right to cancel your bid if you have any negative feedback and also ask that potential bidders with a feedback rating of five or fewer Ebay feedbacks contact me before placing their bid. Please do so directly through EBay's message system or, as outlined above, call me at 206/914-1173 anytime.

A Few Additional Terms and Conditions:

A $500 deposit is due within 24 hours of the auction ending with full payment of the balance by cash (in person only) or certified funds within seven business days unless prior arrangements have been made with me. I can accept credit or debit cards but will first need to invoice you and ask that you cover the 3.25% fee our processor charges for any amount above the $500 deposit. Please remember you're bidding to buy, and I fully expect the winner to fulfill their Ebay contract! You're not bidding to hold or then come inspect and test-drive the vehicle later -- You're more than welcome to do this before the auction ends.