Sports cars are great fun to drive, but sometimes it is nice to have something a little more luxurious. We hate to admit it, but a cushy suspension, air conditioning, and an automatic are nice on long hauls. Reader Matt just sent in a great car for the task. This 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE is not perfect, but it runs and could make a nice budget cruiser. Find it here on eBay with bidding starting at $1 with no reserve.
This car is the successor to the Mercedes fintail. After fins were not as popular, they chopped them off and created this boxier look. It’s not our favorite design, but we respect them for their reliable engine and high level of durability.
The seller states that this car only has 83k miles and that their wife has been using it to drive back and forth from work. There are a few rust spots which you can see in the photos. It also could use a new muffler and AC compressor to really be comfortable. If the 2.8 liter inline six runs good and it’s not rusty underneath, this car could provide many more years of reliable transportation.
Amazing that someone would transplant the interior of a Chevy Nova into that beautiful Mercedes! ;-)
Good eye, Tom. Also, Barn Finds, I think you mean “successor” not “predecessor”.
Thanks for catching that jRod. Thanks to Tom too. Looks like we uploaded the wrong photo. Yes, that was a Nova! All fixed now.
That steering wheel is MASSIVE!
Anyone who has ever driven a Merc of that era and body style knows that except for rust issues they will go on for ever and fell like it. Bank Vault is the term.
I own this exact model but from 1971. The current bid of $1,300 is a steal. But research before you buy, because parts can get $$$. I think they’re all manufactured in the Black Forest by gnomes.
I’ve had a ’68 230 and a ’68 250. The 280 of this era is a great car with classic sedan lines. This particular car is back on Ebay because of a ‘failed sale’.
It is a classic, if the engine and transmission are origina the car is worth upwards of $7000. If the owner sold for $1300 the buyer got a bargain.
Saw a recently restored one of these sold at auction in the UK for equivalent of $28k.
My Mom had a ’69 with the 4spd auto and my Dad had a ’72 280SEL 4.5. Tireless cars to drive long distance. Wonderful to take girls on dates in :)