Talk about a stunning presentation, this 1972 Mercedes 280 SE 4.5 looks like new! The mileage is unknown due to a non-functioning odometer, but inside and out, this one’s spic and span. Sometimes, a design just all comes together, everything works, and I’d suggest that’s the case with this W108 series Benz. Laguna Hills, California, is where you’ll find it, and this eyeball-appealing Carnelian Red sedan is available here on craigslist for $14,500.
Mercedes W108 series sedans were introduced in 1965 and continued through 1972; total production volume exceeded 380K copies. The 280 version came about in the ’68 model year, while ’71 and ’72 saw the upgrade to a 4.5-liter V8-equipped edition. Considered a full-size car (E segment), the 280s were smaller than what passed for a domestic fullsizer at the time. The wheelbase measured out at 112″, while the overall length stretched to 193″ with curb weight ringing up approximately 3,500 lbs. In the case of our subject car, the seller mentions the existence of “a few rust spots,” but they’re not obvious based on the included images. The finish and chrome-plated bits all shine beautifully, and the prominent MB grille is unscathed. Every aspect of the exterior appears to be aligned perfectly, and there is no evidence of crash damage. The body-hued wheel covers and narrow white stripe tires nicely complete the visuals.
Inside, we find a typical, all-business, and very Germanic setting. The leatherette upholstery presents mostly well, though the driver’s seat bottom is starting to show some peelege. The dashpad, carpet, door panels, and wood trim, however, appear to be unflawed. Gotta love those big, clear M-B instrument gauges – no mistaking the intended driver’s involvement in the operation of this sedan – a nice alternative to today’s let-the-car-do-everything while you’re supposed to be driving environment. The seller does mention that cold A/C is on tap!
The standout feature of this 280 SE is its 195 HP, 4.5-liter SOHC V8 engine, as opposed to the standard 2.8-liter inline six found in most 280 SEs. The seller claims, “Runs and drives solid,” and then adds, “Just completed a $3500 service at Franks Foreign Cars in San Clemente, new valve cover, new radiator with OEM hoses, timing job, new distributor, wires, plugs. New oil change, all new fluids.” A three-speed automatic transmission makes the rear wheel connection.
So, what does this 53-year-old Mercedes need? Nothing, as near as I can tell, other than a new owner. The seller mentions that the price includes sales tax, registration, and all DMV fees, so that makes me think he’s assuming a local SoCal sale. He sums up the listing with a proclamation of “Beautiful Car.” I have to agree, how about you?
Impressive. Don’t see them this nice too often any more.
Looks really good in red paint. Beautiful cars and it definitely pays to step up and buy the best you can afford because these become real expensive to fix real fast! Rust was a big issue on this chassis so a dry climate car is a big win here. I recently purchased a 79 euro 280SE in original condition. Newer chassis and considered the first generation S class. About as old as I’m willing to go and still have a resemblance of modern transportation.
The only drawback is to be found in the credit card receipts at the end of the month, when, out of curiosity and listening to a niggling voice at the back of your head, you force yourself to calculate precisely what the fuel costs are.
Looking at the valve covers on that engine it appears to me that the V-8 is a double overhead, chain driven set of cams, versus a single cam. Am I all wrong?
It would be DOHC only if it had two camshafts per bank (i.e. one cam for intake and the other for exhaust). These engines had a single cam over each bank of cylinders.
Yes, you are.
https://www.encycarpedia.com/us/mercedes/71-280-se-4-5-w108-sedan
JO
Beautiful car! We are just “over the hill” in Palm Desert, very close. Wish I had the garage space!!
Craiglist ad, deleted by seller!
My Dad had a 280SE 4.5, in a dark brown and with a console shifter. What a great car. It was a quiet cruiser with smooth acceleration, and had great handling for a luxury sedan. Fortunately, I got to drive it occasionally. It would launch to 100 pretty quickly, and at 120 it felt as solid as if it were on rails, very different than other sedans of the era. My Dad did complain about the cost of a tune-up as I recall. He found someone that could work on it and avoided the MB dealership. Hope this one finds a great home.
I would drive this proudly, beautiful car. Of course it’s been deleted by author. At $14,500 including taxes, registration, I’m thinking someone got a good deal, if it was a real ad.
I bought a 73 4.5 when I was 23 in 76. I had had a 70 280SE so it was quite a step up. my firends all laughed at me, they drove camaros and VWs. they laughed till they drove it. great car, very gas thirsty, (lucky if you get 10mpg), expensive to repair, and crappy AC (if one lives in a hot climate, more and more the case with our changing weather). I wonder if the color is original. and that the odo is not working, common. you cannot trust the odometers BEFORE the 6 digit ones were standard. nice car.
As much as I love this Benz it’s just too red for me. Beautiful condition though and I love those color keyed wheels. Nice example.