1973 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 Sedan - V8 Fuel injection

1973 Mercedes 280 SE – Asking $8900. Or Best Reasonable Offer.CALL OR TEXT 9735253301.

According to Wiki, The 280 SE was produced from 04/71 to 11/72.The ’73 280 SE was only available in the US for sale.The V8 is more desirable than the 6 cylinders.

I purchased this 73 about 2 years ago from Katonah NY.Knowing well aware the car was a driver.Finding one in 2 above gets pricey, and my budget at the time, fit the car.If this is your criteria - look no further, you have found a great car!

I drove the car home without a hitch.It starts and runs nicely.I do believe the air conditioner actually works.Truth be told I have not tried it at all. If I did not mention, the speedometer stopped working prior to me buying the car. The mileage at the time was around 122K I may have put on the most, another 670 additional miles. The mileage meter broke as the reset mileage for local driving was pressed, and as the previous owner described - this should not be touched as the car was moving.

Mechanically:

No issues with the engine.I have gotten the car up to 90 mph with no issues.Transmission shifts fine.I do want to change the transmission fluid, filter and gasket, as I just had all other fluids changed in the last 2 months.I had the work done my Europcar in Morristown, NJ.Brake fluid, differential fluid, oil change and filter.The transmission fluid was not changed, as they do not touch transmissions.He did get me a filter and gasket set.This was more for preventive maintenance more than anything.The radiator fluid was fine.The previous owner did that before I bought the car.He changed the thermostat too.The windshield wipers were replaced too. The power steering gets a little squeaky when its cold out - Me personally - I would flush the system and put in new fluid - on Warm days no issues.

Two summers ago, the starter went. I had it towed to G&T automotive in Jersey City.They replaced the starter and did some brake work in the front of the car.I have the receipt in the documentation folder.

The muffler system is loose, it needs to be tightened / fastened.I do believe there is an exhaust leak near the manifold.When you’re driving the car, its fine.It sounds a bit noisy at startup, but quells as you drive it.

All lights work fine, as well as the heat.The radio is intermittent.As of now, its static and occasion, it picks up a radio station.The antenna is original, and in the manual packet, the key is in there, to raise and lower the antenna.I have driven this car on hot and cold days, and no issues.I have driven it to work a few times, with no issues.

Cosmetically:

The car seems to be original paint on majority of it.If you open the driver’s door, the previous owner did use brush paint in the front section where the door bolts closest to the fender.I asked him about it, and he said that he was trying to match the paint(see top section of right rear quarter panel, some type of repair was done by him.

The paint does have chips in it, notice by the front lights.There is a slight color difference on the left front fender.I cannot tell if it has been repainted, it does not seem that way, as there is no bridging or overspray.Around the sunroof, there are chips and slight rust.

Moving to the right rear quarter panel, at the top closest to the rear window, it does look like a repair, look like a homemade repair.If that is the case, how bad was the issue?Looking inside the trunk underneath, there is no “through” rust.

The trunk, down by the quarter panels, where they join the trunk, the previous owner did rivet sheet metal.He was very up straightforward about that when I bought the car.

The car doesnotseem to have been in any accidents as the lines, side trim and all do line up nicely.The sunroof has some pitting as referenced above, but it works fine.

Interior

Seats, door panels, and black section of the dashboard are in good shape.The driver’s side seat does have a hole on the side.

The wood dash needs the polyurethane removed and reapplied.

The headliner is hanging by the driver’s side rear window, and there is a mouse hole resident.

The rubber seals for the trunk and doors are dry rotted.I do have new replacements for them; I paid over $300 for them.

The floors are solid, the carpets are fair to midland.Note, the wood between the dash and the windshield is dry rotted, very common with these cars.

Not pictured is the Mercedes Benz first aid kit!

The paint is considered a “20 footer”.

I have included recent comparable of 280- SE’s in the market today. The V8 model is more desirable than the 6 cylinder - and the engine runs strong on this ca. , The 280SE was only available in the US for 1973.

Documentation:

I have the owner’s manual, the warranty plate, the original sales invoice, along with the antenna key, Becker brochure along with scheduled maintenance documents.The car seems to be from Jacksonville Florida, spent a few years in Sussex NJ, then NY and now back in Morris County, NJ.You know as well as I do, this adds value to the car!

From Hagerty: (copied) 2/20:

Prices assumes that no major modifications to the vehicle are present.

#1 Concours$22,400

Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concours."

#2 Excellent$17,900

#2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent."

#3 Good$12,300

#3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle.

#4 Fair$8,900

#4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non-stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle.

I can be reached at 9735253301; call or text; let me know if you are interested in pursuing this car. Please text during business hours and I will get to a phone and call you.

This car is for sale as is and where is with no warranty expressed or implied! Buyer is responsible for pickup. I can make arrangements to be there at the time of pickup. This is a clear title in my name - no salvage / rebuilds etc - its in my name and no stories! This auction can last at any time as I have the car listed in other media for sale. Hence if your serious - Please contact and place an offer within fair reason! An immediate deposit via PayPal for $100. is due within 24 hours of accepted bid - this is not refundable.

As noted, the car is not perfect, but with some focus, it can be a superb driver. Happy to answer any and all questions.