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Accident Free: 1973 Mercedes 280C

The Mercedes W114 coupe is an elegant two-door version of the company’s venerable sedan that was positioned below the S-class when new. Although a fine car with robust six-cylinder power on board, they have never climbed the value table to the point that they are immune from the junkyard or ever that hard to find for a decent price. This 280C is listed here on craigslist with original paint and claimed accident-free history for $5,500. 

Thanks to Barn Finds reader J Liu for the find, which is listed on San Francisco’s East Bay craigslist. I liked this earlier generation with its flat-lens taillights (later ones were ribbed) and slim chrome bumpers. This example also wears its original hubcaps, too. Remember, if you’re restoring the larger W108 sedans, we have a trio of excellent parts cars for sale as a Barn Finds Exclusive and located in Georgia.

Inside, it’s clear this W114 has led a gentle life, with its biscuit-colored interior showing little signs of use (with the exception of the passenger side headrest). I dig the big column shifter, as it leaves the center console free of any clutter. The decision to have a console or column-mounted shifter was an option Mercedes gave its buyers, with the column the likely choice of American car buyers used to big domestic sedans.

The seller simply offers that the Mercedes runs well and has under 100,000 miles. We would need far more information as it relates to mechanical history and maintenance reports before making a judgement call on this example’s health, but the good news is, parts supply is still fairly strong. While the value will never likely skyrocket much past the current selling price, these are enjoyable cars to live with as they provide all of the classic road manners of a Mercedes that you’d expect.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo DETROIT LAND YACHT

    Really nice. It’s the kind of car a trust funder would ride around in…until the inheritance kicks in. Considering it’s in the bay area… I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case here.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar photo r s

    I would buy this in a heartbeat compared to that gold Chrysler Aborta.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar photo David F Member

    The ribbed tail light lenses were designed for a practical purpose, to keep them cleaner. They worked very well in muddy and snowy conditions. So ugly perhaps, but functional.

    Like 2
    • Avatar photo audifan

      True, but this one still has the older style taillights. AFAIK, the ribbed ones came in 1974.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Wolfgang Gullich

    The column shift is actually standard equipment. You would have to special order a console shift in these.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar photo Mountainwoodie

    A car I always wanted…as long as it was a 4 speed with a sunroof. Still on my list. This one has been removed by the seller so…….

    Like 0
  6. Avatar photo UK Paul 🇬🇧

    A lovely thing. Cheap for what you get.
    I would have thought this should make a reasonable investment personally.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar photo mehmet

    i call him for buy the car buy all the times text massage and didnt back us i dont know this real or fake i call him 10 or 15 times i dont know what is the problem …. if any ones contact him please write me thank you

    Like 0
  8. Avatar photo Matt Centorino

    my first car was a 220D .. I still have it socked away .. they were prone to rust in a bunch of places .. the drive train was always bullet proof. I used to buy up rust buckets and just cut them up for parts. The 114/115 body still has a classic look

    Like 0
  9. Avatar photo Ken

    I had this same car 25 years ago.
    I’m amazed that it hasn’t grown much in value.
    I thought it might be destined for much more.
    It was probably one of the worst mpg cars I have ever owned.
    Perhaps those two humongous two barrel carbs were not functioning properly.

    If it would have been fitted with a V8 ,it might have attained more respect .

    Sure was pretty though…..

    Like 0
    • Avatar photo Bubba5

      Me too, mine was dark green with console shift. One day one carb went dry, the other over fueled….flashover. That was a nice car.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar photo stillrunners

    Always liked these good looking little coupes…….

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo memoli

      I call him two weeks ago all the times but no answer always text message and can’t call us I don’t know this true or scam I am looking car like this for export good car car price is down but no contact…

      Like 0

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