1973 Mercedes Benz 280SE

1973 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series Description

1973 Mercedes Benz 280SE

One family-owned, blue plate California car

MotoeXotica Classic Cars is pleased to present this documented, one family-owned 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 Sedan. This Benz defies its age and would be comfortable as a daily or weekend driver. Purchased new on April 17, 1973 from Palmer Import Motors of Long Beach, California, with only 752 miles on it. This is one of the few times the U.S. received a larger displacement engine than its German cousin.

The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109 were luxury cars produced from 1965 through 1972 and in 1973 for North America only. The cars were successful in Germany and in export markets, including North America and Southeast Asia. This Mercedes has been owned by the original family since new (father passed it down to daughter). It has always has been garaged and well taken care of, remaining its entire life in Los Angeles, California, with its original blue license plates. The original owner purchased it for his wife and she barely used throughout the years. In 1991, it was passed down to the daughter. Also that year, Mercedes documented the mileage at 59,139 and the car went into storage for 20 years.

Finished in Harvest Beige (code 430), the paint job remains original and un-restored and it shows well with only minor imperfections and fading visible upon inspection, however, there is a notable blemish on the rear of the roof. All trim pieces are present and have a decent finish with little hazing or dents that we could see, with the exception of the left front bumper, where the chrome has peeled. The U.S.-spec headlights and taillights are in very good condition with no hazing or cracks and the original equipment wheels show very little marring or curb rash.

Inside, the rich Tobacco (code 706) MB-Tex vinyl seats all look great with no major signs of wear visible and there is excellent matching carpet throughout the interior. Overall, the genuine wood looks great, however there is some finish lifting on the dash top by the windshield. The door panels and dashboard are matched perfectly with the exterior of the car and look fantastic. The headliner mirrors the rest of the cabin and completes the theme. The fuel gauge is inoperable but the original steering wheel in great condition and car has power windows and power locks. Car has a Becker Europa AM/FM radio, even a “Locking” Hirschmann radio antenna!

This nicely represented Mercedes is equipped with the 4.5L SOHC cast-iron block M117 V-8, three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, factory air-conditioning, heater (missing some control knobs) four-wheel disc brakes, amber driving lights, original tools and 14-inch OEM steel wheels with Harvest Beige matching full Mercedes hub caps. Included are the original owner’s manual, stamped scheduled maintenance booklet and the original Mercedes safety belts instructions!

Rarely will you get the opportunity to own a blue plate, low mileage one-family car from California like this Mercedes with this amount of documented history. Ideal for an everyday driver or weekend get-a-ways, this 280SE is the way it’s supposed to be…luxurious exterior with the heart of German motorsport. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

Competition to this Mercedes-Benz in 1973 included BMW’s 3.0 S, Bentley’s T-Series and Buick’s Electra 225 Hardtop Sedan.

Current mileage on the odometer shows 74,142 and is understood to be actual, according to the service records and stamps. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear title.

VIN: 10806712017357

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