The Mercedes-Benz W108/W109 lineup represent an incredible value in the classic car community. Classy with gobs of power and understated luxury, these highway missiles are still potent road machines today. In an era where vehicles of a certain age are beginning to “age out” in terms of having a captive audience willing to restore them, cars like this 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SE with the desirable 4.5L V8 stand out as offering real-world practicality while still being collectible. This example listed here on craigslist could be used as-is or cosmetically refreshed; either way, you’ll have a car you can enjoy for years to come.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the tip. The lineage of powerful Mercedes sedans goes way back, but not every generation is valued the same way. The W124 and W126 era undoubtedly provide owners with near bulletproof reliability and relatively simple construction, but they have not yet achieved status as classics that will be painstakingly restored. While time can change all of that, my gut tells me they simply made too many of those cars for them to rise in value significantly, aside from low mileage, time-capsule grade examples. The W108/109 era hits differently, even with fairly high production numbers. These sedans were unique in both their power supply and ability to cruise effortlessly for hours on end, and certainly stood apart from other luxury vehicles of the era.

The interior, too, made for a trailblazing car, even with relatively simple design. But that was the beauty of it: a luxury car could be understated yet incredibly advanced. The wood trim, handsome gauges, a high-end stereo, and a floor shifter that would set the design of Mercedes transmission consoles for decades to come all made for an unmistakable cabin. You knew you were in a Mercedes product when you sat it one. The seller’s car looks quite tidy inside, with an attractive contrast of black and tan. The seller notes that it does suffer from typical Mercedes trouble spots with a cracked dash and wood inserts that need restoring.

The 4.5L engine delivered 280 smooth horsepower, an impressive number for its day (but by no means the most powerful in the lineup, with the brutal 6.9L V8 lurking around.) The seller notes that the 280SE has received significant attention as of late with regards to maintenance, but it’s the paint job that lets the car down. The paint is faded on the roof and other body panels, and you’ll need to budget for a respray if you want a car that looks its best. The $17,950 asking price seems a bit strong to us for vehicle that could stand to be painted, but if it drives as well as the seller claims, a test drive could convince you to live with the tired cosmetics.