This is one of the cooler W108 Mercedes-Benz cars I’ve seen. It’s a desirable short-wheelbase example but that’s not the only thing that sets it apart: it has a four-speed manual gearbox on the floor, and the seller claims it was a special-order model. I could certainly see a car like this not being one that the factory would send to sit on a dealer lot, and I love the combination of a big-body sedan with three pedals. The seller claims it was a barn find he picked up, got running, and now uses for trips upwards of 50 miles round trip without issue. Find the Mercedes here on craigslist with an asking price of $15,000.
These cars have always been sought after, but never to the point that they were out of reach price-wise. This is especially true of the six-cylinder models like this one, as the eight-cylinder models tend to tick up over $20,000 for nicely maintained examples. No matter which engine you choose, the interiors can look trashed without much effort due to the wood trim being worn down and peeling. Not in this car, as the dash trim looks to be in great shape, along with the instrument cluster and original Blaupunkt radio. The dashboard isn’t cracked and the leather seats are in surprisingly nice shape for a barn find.
The seller clarifies that while it was off the road for decades, the 280SE was still a running car when he found it. This tells me that the previous owner may have indeed parked the car for decades, but still made a point to drive it every now and again. The bodywork is in very good shape too, with no obvious signs of rust damage or dings and dents from sloppy storage. The chrome bumpers are in excellent condition, and I always love to see these models with their smaller, smoother taillights compared to the ribbed design of the later cars. The seller has made numerous repairs and improvements to the Mercedes, including a rebuilt fuel pump and new tires all around.
Other work includes new shifter bushings, Petronix ignition, climate control levers, A/C lines, oil cooler lines, and what the seller describes as “….various suspension and transmission bushings.” Still, at the end of the day, it’s the combination of the manual transmission and short wheelbase that will sell this car. You can find W108s in project-grade form relatively easily, but almost all of them with automatic gearboxes and many in long-wheelbase form. Throw in the sunroof and overall state of preservation, and it seems likely this one will find a new owner sooner than later. What’s your favorite sedan that came with a stick?
Darn nice one.
My 79 Volvo gl264. Fully appointed with a 4 spd. Loved that car.
I think this is a fair asking price for this car. I would be curious to see how the manual transmission feels in this car. The mechanical fuel injection makes these engines perform nicely. Sometimes a manual in a heavy car can make the drive laborious if there is a lot of driveline lash. I love the old world craftsmanship of the W108 series. I actually prefer a 4-door for everyday practicality over a coupe. I currently drive a V126 sedan and a C126 coupe. Prefer the coupe to look at and the sedan to run errands. I was late to the Mercedes party and just recently discovered how enjoyable these classic MB’s are to drive. They can be expensive parts wise and parts are becoming harder and thus more expensive but once sorted and driven regularly they are reliable. If I was in the market I would definitely consider.
This never had a Blaupunkt radio. Becker was what these originally had and what this car appears to retain.
I used to live in Reston and if I still did, I would be all over this one. I am in California and have been interested in 280’s but have never run across a manual. Good luck.
I loved ALL my ole stick sedans
Rover 2000TC
Volvo 544 Sport
Volvo S70 T5
MB 220 SEb
FORD Taurus SHO
VW GTI
Cadillac CTS-V
CITROEN SM
Citroen AMI 8
In the 70’s I found a Toyota Crown with a 4 speed stick, 6 cylinder that was smooth and comfy. The 6 cylinder had enough low end torque that made smooth driving easy and shifting less necessary than a buzzy 4 would have required. Compared to most our group’s cars this one was spacious and we called it the “limo.” A water pump failing took it off the road for months: the local Toyota dealer wouldn’t touch it, then the trans bearings started to persist in overheating.
That combination of 4 door, 6 cylinder and MT was very nice, wish I could have kept it but there was no “spare car” option in my budget back then.
thats a becker radio
I drove a ’67 250S during college for a bit. With first gear, I swear I could pull tree trunks, hence the term, “stump-puller” for first gear. Probably needed that low gear to get the ol’ Merc rolling! She was a pleasure to drive and simple to maintain…far cry from the gadget-filled crap being produced in Alabama & Germany today.
Where is it?
when MB made a good car, 10 15 yrs till the dissapointments
I’m wowed! A good purchase to an appreciative driver.