MINT condition; 2 owners; FINEST example available

1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5 Description

HISTORY

You are viewing the nicest example on the market today of the Mercedes-Benz S-class from this era.Between May 1971 to November 1972, just over eight thousand models were crafted in Germany. The 8-cylinder engine produces approximately 160 horsepower with a top speed around 120mph. With the exception of the car being repainted when purchasing it from the original owner, this fine motorcar is an all-original vehicle. This car epitomizes elegance and timelessness in a car. Elvis Presley purchased an identical version of this car in 1971 (same color but later had it painted light blue).

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 influential families. Some historians refer to this family as the "Bingham dynasty." This car was Bingham Sr.'s personal car in Louisville, KY.Since new, it remained garage-kept at the Bingham Compound overlooking the Ohio River.After Bingham Sr.'s death in 1988, Barry Bingham Jr. inherited it. He drove it until his death in April 2006.

My father and I purchased the car from the Binghams in June 2006. It has been meticulously maintained. Most every record is available—including the original sticker from 1972. It has always been garage-kept and only driven on sunny days.

This car has the dependability to be a daily driver, with the elegance and condition to win awards.Must see to appreciate.
EXTERIOR
As you can see in the photos, this car has a flawless exterior. The chrome, bumpers, weather stripping, and glass is all original.The hubcaps were replaced a few years ago.Some of the window seals show minor wear. It's hard to believe every inch of chrome (grill and all) is original! Some of the chrome around the windows have minor scratches. The glass looks brand new.The car is completely rust-free.Last year I had the paint wet-sanded.The finish, glaze, depth, and color is like a mirror! The Michelin tires are in great shape with 80% tread remaining.
INTERIOR
The interior is 100% original.Yet it’s nearly perfect. The black floor mats are new. All of the seats show little to no sign of wear. The headliner is in perfect condition. Every dial and gauge functions well. 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. 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 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 technicians. There are no known issues whatsoever. The transmission shifts consistently like butter. I recently had the oil changed, a new starter installed, and the differential seals replaced.Over a year ago the exhaust system was replaced. Everything works as it should and runs perfectly. The car starts and runs every time. A Mercedes-Benz mechanic recently told me that he believes the odometer reading is the original mileage of the car: 52,000.

Serious inquiries only.Car is sold as-is.