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This Mercedes 280SE listed on craigslist has been stored for 35 years. It looks to be in amazing condition in the pictures. The fuel system could be problematic, but there’s no magic involved, just the skills of a knowledgeable mechanic. I have to admit to hesitating to write this up, I want it so badly. It’s probably better it’s in Pittsburgh. I have never seen such a nice interior except in restored cars. It has 92,000 miles on it and is listed for only $3,500 or best offer! The pictures are not very detailed, so it could actually not be in such great shape in person. If you are looking for a nice old Mercedes, it’s hard to imagine a better deal.
Nice looking car but has a few negatives……..the 6 cylinder is a good engine but struggles to move the heavy car with authority. I dought that it has a leather interior, this is a cheeper car and most had MB tex that is very good stuff but difficult to distinguish from leather. A quick check with the Classic Center with the vin would confirm that. Leather was an expensive option. MB tex is so good, the covers frequently outlive the horsehair padding something that is difficult to know without a personal inspection. If it is an orignal north east car it may have been spared the ravages that our southwest cars have with interiors and heat. Overall a very nice looking survivor but not a 20,000 4.5 either. I think the price is fair where it is.
This could be a great car for the price, but a thorough checkout is in order. 160 hp driving 3,400lbs through a slush box won’t snap your head back, but could make a nice classy cruiser. Looking at the engine picture, it appears the A/C compressor has no drive belt. I’d want to see all the maintenance records that might go with this car. If maintained well this one has a lot of miles left in it. Bear in mind that RI uses salt so a careful check out underneath is in order.
Greetings All,
Having had a series of Fin-Tails, no the engine won’t snap your head back but even the 220 with either carb option was good for 100 and could cruise at 75-80 mph all day long.
The 280SE, while lacking the .2 liters extra my 300SE has, it at least isn’t burdened with the air-bag suspension.
Depending on options, most likely has PS, PB and their 4-speed auto. Power mirrors, door locks and power windows usually not ticked for some reason. Though the windows are equipped with the most efficient wind down ratio, usually 2 turns or less.
If it had a sunroof, I’d be showing you pictures of my new ride.
The sunroof was a nice option. As I recall, it wasn’t powered, you had to turn a roof mounted crank, much like a light aircraft trim crank. Compared to today’s cars, vision out of the car in all directions is outstanding. However if this car spent a lot of time on Pittsburgh streets, the front end may need attention as Pittsburgh city streets are rough, potholes are everywhere and deep due to the winter freeze, melt, pothole, freeze cycle. One of the critical places to check is the the headlight bucket, as moisture would get trapped between the bucket and bottom of the fender.
Like my Mom’s ’69 except hers had camel MB-tex. I remember the car well but the 4 spd auto was desperately abrubt shifting which, of course, led to a 1-2 chirp if you were WOT and had the kickdown buttton pressed. Made an incredible rumble as well. 1hp/cu in. Great car!