MINT, 2-owner Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5

1972 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series Description

To see additional photos of this car, click the following link: https://savannahgarciaphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/1972Mercedes280SEL/home

HISTORY

You are viewing one of the nicest examples of this iconic S-class made by Mercedes-Benz. This 280SEL is 1 of 8173 made in Germany between May 1971 to November 1972. The powerful 8-cylinder engine puts out 160 horsepower, with a top speed around 120mph. With the exception of the car being repainted when I first purchased it, this vehicle is an all-original vehicle. I am only the second owner. This car epitomizes elegance and timelessness in a car.

The original owner, Barry Bingham Sr., bought this car in late 1971 from a Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz dealership. Bingham Sr. was the patriarch of one of Kentucky’s wealthiest and most famous families. There’s a reason why some refer to the family as the “Bingham dynasty.” This car was Bingham Sr.’s personal car in Louisville, KY at the Bingham Family Estate that overlooks the Ohio River. After Bingham Sr.’s death in 1988, Barry Bingham Jr. inherited it. He drove the vehicle until his death in April 2006. (For more information about the Bingham family of Louisville, simply do a Google search or go to Wikipedia.)

I bought the car from the Bingham family in June 2006. It has always been meticulously maintained. Every record and all documentation since the car was new is available. As you can see from the photos, we even have the original sticker from the early seventies! It has always been garage-kept and only driven on sunny days. A little known fact is that Elvis Presley purchased an identical version of this car in 1971 (same color and all).

My goal with the description of this sedan is to be as thorough and transparent about the condition as possible. A professional photographer was hired to enable viewers the chance to appreciate the mint condition of this vehicle. Must see to appreciate. This car has the dependability to be a daily driver, or the beauty and condition to be a joyride for sunny days on the weekend.

EXTERIOR

As you can see in the photos, this car has a nearly flawless exterior. All the chrome, bumpers, weather stripping, and glass is original. The hubcaps were replaced a few years ago (purchased from the Mercedes factory) because the original ones were full of dents and had curb-rash. Some of the window seals show minor wear. It’s hard to believe the chrome (grill and all) is original! Some of the chrome around the windows have minor scratches. The glass is flawless. The only flaws in the paint can’t be detected by the naked eye. As you can see in the photos, there are two spots in the paint that have bubbled up near the front. There are no visible signs or indications of rust. The tires are in great shape and have about 80% tread remaining.

INTERIOR

The interior is 100% original, and at the same time, nearly 100% flawless. The black floor mats are new and not original. All of the seats show little to no sign of wear at all. The headliner is in perfect condition. Every dial and gauge works perfectly. Some of the wood on the dashboard have hairline cracks (that’s to be expected and not out of the ordinary). Due to the age of the wood, there are two spots in the corners of the wooden dash strip (where the windshield meets the dashboard) that have peeled. In my opinion, they aren’t noticeable at all. The AC blows ice cubes and the radio works like it did the day it left the factory.

MECHANICAL

“Bulletproof” has been the most common adjective to describe the mechanical reliability of this particular Mercedes-Benz over the years. This sedan is the prime example of German engineering at its finest! It has been meticulously maintained and only serviced by authorized Mercedes-Benz mechanics. There are no known issues. I recently had the oil changed, a new starter installed, and all the differential seals replaced. While it was in the shop, I had a thorough inspection done on the car. No problems—or even minor issues—were detected. Everything works as it should and runs perfectly. The car starts and runs every time. The transmission shifts very smoothly. As you drive down the road you can’t help but be impressed by the power of the V-8 engine. A Mercedes-Benz mechanic recently told me that he believes the odometer reading is the original mileage of the car: 51,792. That’s unverifiable, but if anything, it speaks to the condition of the vehicle all the way through. It should be noted that for some reason the windshield wipers don’t work (I can have that addressed if needed).

I’ve tried to be very thorough and transparent about the car. The buyer will receive a custom-fitted car cover. I hate to see this car go, but I don’t have room in my garage for it AND an Mercedes-Benz SL500. Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions. Serious inquiries only please.