We are pleased to present this 1972 Mercedes-Benz W108 280SEL 4.5 finished in Silver Metallic (735) over a Black leather (241) interior. The 280SEL 4.5 was a variant of the W108/W109 S-Class that debuted for the 1969 model year. It used an extended wheelbase W108 platform and was powered by Mercedes' M117 V8 engine. This final-year example was presented new to its original owner in Germany via Mercedes' European delivery program before returning back to Newport Beach, California. It was ordered with an electric sunroof, a 3-speed floor shift automatic gearbox, whitewall tires, a Becker radio, electric windows, and power steering. Having spent time in a prominent collection, this well-documented W108 has been recently serviced in preparation for sale and is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Florida.
The steel bodywork is finished in Silver Metallic (735) accented by a chrome grille, moldings, and bumpers. The car had reportedly been completely refinished in its original color some years ago and the seller describes the paint to remain in excellent condition along with the brightwork and rubber seals. A small imperfection is noted around the sunroof as depicted in the gallery. This Mercedes rides on a set of factory 14″ steel wheels featuring polished hubcaps with painted centers and newer Hankook whitewall tires.
The cabin is trimmed in Black leather (241) with Burl Wood veneers spanning the upper and lower dashboard. The gray loop carpeting is protected by a set of custom Coco floor mats. The driver is supplied with an electric sunroof, power windows, air conditioning, and a Becker Mexico radio. The seller notes the original radio was refurbished by Becker in preparation for sale along with a recharge of the air-conditioning system. Several switches and bulbs were also recently replaced as well as the glove box latch and handle. All gauges, light, and accessories are said to be fully functional with the exception of the analog clock.
Power comes from a Bosch D-Jetronic fuel-injected overhead-cam 4.5L M117 V8. This engine produced up to 195 HP and 278 lb.-ft of torque when new, providing comfortable cruising and a top speed up to 118 MPH. The rear wheels are driven by way of a 3-speed floor shift automatic gearbox. Stopping power comes from four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes, while the double-wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar help to provide a smooth and balanced ride. Recent service is said to include an oil and filter change, new tires, rewiring of the auxiliary fan, and a wheel alignment. An extensive collection of service records is said to accompany the car.
This sale will include the original owner's manuals and sales literature, a binder of documented service history, and a clean title. A high point in styling, craftsmanship, and engineering for Mercedes-Benz, this 280SEL makes an excellent choice for any classic European car enthusiast.
*We encourage any interested parties to use this time for arranging pre-sale inspections or viewings.
Comments (38)
very sweet buy, I snoozed and losed..contact me if you have second thoughts
Sold for $30,500
Bid in the amount of $30,500
AND THE EXCITEMENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.... THE CAR IS BEING SOLD, SOMEONE IS GOING TO HAVE AN AWESOME MERCEDES, THE TOP BIDDER WILL GET THE CAR.
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $29,500
@deanlaumbach Thanks Dean, I am sure the new owner will agree..... This is an excellent example... Extremely well documented, mechanically sorted, and tons of fun to drive. Unlike most classics where thousands of dollars need to be spent after the purchase, this car just needs a new home. Im sure the last hour of the auction will be exciting!
Great car. Previous private owner is an avid Mercedes-Benz enthusiast and automotive journalist, and he had this car for a number of years. I know he was fastidious about this vehicle's maintenance. The seller is also someone I know and respect and I have done business with him in the past. Just this past year, I purchased an exceptional late model R107 from a private seller, and the owner raved to me about the dealer in Florida he purchased the car from in 2017. He described him to me to be knowledgeable and thorough and the fact that the car was 100% turn key ready to be driven and enjoyed when he purchased the car. While going through the vehicles paperwork I discovered that he purchased the car from @PEDEGREE11.
I believe that the W108/W109 is one of the most beautiful sedans ever built. As much as I love the W109 3.5/4.5 & 6.3, if given the choice I would prefer a W108 as the suspension system is much easier and less costly to maintain. Beautiful example offered here on Pcar, and I love the color combination. Best of luck !!! Dean
Incredible driving cars. This looks simply fantastic!
Bid in the amount of $28,500
@TheGerman let me answer your question as best as I can. I would strongly suggest you or your representative inspect the car. But here we go...
- is it right that I asume -reading the handwritten history of the different owners an your description- that the total mileage is around 118.246?
YES, WRITTEN BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER WE ASSUME
- is this car "matching numbers"?
TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, YES
- how is the quality of the repaint?
EXCELLENT
- has the interior also been repainted
INTERIOR REPAINTED???? THE INTERIOR IS ORIGINAL
- who/which garage did it?
UNKNOWN- IT WAS DONE LONG BEFORE WE PURCHASED IT AND WE DON'T THAVE THE RECORDS OF THE REPAINT
- had the old paint of the whole body been removed up to the bare metal before repainting?
WE DON'T HAVE RECORDS OF THE REPAINT. THERE IS NO OVERSPRAY, ITS AN OLDER HIGH QUALITY REPAINT
- and also the windowglasses and all the rubber seals?
UNKNOWN
- had there ever been a refurbishment or a restoration of the body or of parts of the body?
UNKNOWN, DOESN'T APPEAR TOO
- has the interior ever been refurbished? the seads? the wood veneers? the carpets? the headliner?
THERE ARE MANY PICTURES OF THE INTERIOR, ITS EXCELLENT, TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PICTURES
- would you pls. send some pics of the stamped and filled in service-booklet?
- or some records of the service maintenances?
ITS A VERY THICK BOOK, AS WE STATED, WE SERVICED THE CAR TO GET IT READY FOR SALE.
- which unites had been changed in the run of time?
????
- the A/C is recharged, but is it already converted to R134a too?
YES
- does it blow strong and icecold?
YES
- which DOT (age) do the tires have? with how much tread? and which speedindex do they have?
NEW, WE JUST INSTALLED THEM
THIS IS A LIST OF THE WORK WE HAD PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF OUT INSPECTION:
• Oil/filter change
• Install four new Hankook white wall tires
• Evacuate and recharge air-conditioning system
• Rewire auxiliary fan
• Replace various interior lightbulbs
• Install Becker Mexico radio-Recently refurbished by Becker radio
• Replace horns
• Replace wiper blades with correct ones
• Replace glove box latch and handle
• Replace AC control switches
• Wheel alignment
I HOPE THIS HELPS. KEEP IN MIND, THIS IS A 50 YEAR OLD CAR
@ PEDIGREE11 (seller)
hi, would you pls tell us something about the technical history of this nice car? It would fit well with my all original 1971 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 convertible.
- is it right that I asume -reading the handwritten history of the different owners an your description- that the total mileage is around 118.246?
- is this car "matching numbers"?
- how is the quality of the repaint?
- has the interior also been repainted
- who/which garage did it?
- had the old paint of the whole body been removed up to the bare metal before repainting?
- and also the windowglasses and all the rubber seals?
- had there ever been a refurbishment or a restoration of the body or of parts of the body?
- has the interior ever been refurbished? the seads? the wood veneers? the carpets? the headliner?
- would you pls. send some pics of the stamped and filled in service-booklet?
- or some records of the service maintenances?
- which unites had been changed in the run of time?
- the A/C is recharged, but is it already converted to R134a too?
- does it blow strong and icecold?
- which DOT (age) do the tires have? with how much tread? and which speedindex do they have?
Thx.
Bid in the amount of $27,500
I would like to remind all potential bidders that when you bid, you are bidding to purchase. You are not bidding to "think about it", or "check with my wife "or bidding to inspect it. Just like in a regular auction, when you hold your hand up, you are committing to purchasing if you are the high bidder, thats the same way it works here. We welcome inspections, but inspect it before you bid, that way you know what you're bidding on.
Can we keep the comments, questions, discussion to the car? This is an incredible 280SEL 4.5. The documentation on this car really completes the package. Take a look at the gallery and see the quality of this car and the documentation it comes with....I am glad the bidding has started off well, but let's keep on topic .... someone is going to end up with an incredible classic Mercedes.
@PCARMARKET thank you
@PCARMARKET not trying to beat you out of your auction commission just dont want to wait 7 days
@PCARMARKET sorry
Bid in the amount of $25,000
@Jimbo1907 pity heres my bid
Lovely car.
Appears certain individuals don't read the rule book. Pity.
@racddavis You cannot do this. This is completely against our policy and grounds for account termination. You must bid on the vehicle if you wish to purchase it. Please familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions. Thank you
im in tampa would like to come see it would 25000 buy it now? please pm me
@bzikowski12 go for it, start the bidding
@PEDIGREE11 I have a price in mind :) , will keep an eye
@bzikowski12 since this is an auction, it will run its course. Bid and bid often, haha... my best advice, bid what your highest buy price and see what happens....
4.5 is know to run hot from my knowledge . mine runs similar
is there a buy now price ?
Hello everyone and welcome! This is an absolutely incredible example of a 1972 280SEL 4.5. For the buyer who is looking for a great well sorted example, this is a car to pay close attention too. I am happy to answer any questions however we are not on here 24/7. If you have a question where you would like an immediate answer, please click on "contact seller" we will reply right away. We are also happy to accommodate anyone who would like to inspect the car prior to bidding. Good luck everyone... The new owner will be very happy.
@racddavis @racddavis, nope, its not running hot at all. We did have it checked and everything is normal, please note, it was photographed on a 85 degree day and of course we had the AC on.
looks like the temp guage is high on the video