Earlier today we featured a clean 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL. It’s hard to believe that only two generations separate that car from the 1969 280SE that we see here for sale in California, but such is the staying power with Mercedes’ Sonderklasse. With fuel injection and a four-speed automatic gearbox, this was a car ahead of its time. This particular 280SE is almost identical to the dark blue 1972 example that my grandfather drove here in the US right before retiring back to Portugal. That would be a car that would start a long tradition of Mercedes-Benzes in my family.
Click for details: 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE on eBay
Year: 1969
Model: 280SE
Engine: 2.8 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 167,600 mi
Price: $17,000 Buy It Now
1969 Mercedes 280SE Immaculate!!!!!! As Near Mint as you can get! 4 Door Sedan. Rear Wheel Drive. Gas. 6 Cylinders.Inline 6 cylinder (2.8 liter)–Bosch fuel injection-160 hp.
Original Owner purchased new. Grand Father and Grand Mother drove to church and grocery store for most of its miles and has been stored indoors since new!!! Close to perfect for an original car. Repainted about 10- 15 years ago. Service records. All chrome is in like new condition!! Car meticulously maintained by owner who was an engineer. No leaks, necessary hoses and belts recently replaced as well as routine other maintenance. Oil changed and car lubed every 1000 miles !! No leaks of any kind. Air conditioning not working. New Toyo Extensa tires. A California car.
Must see pictures to really appreciate.
Considering what the W111 Coupes and Cabriolets are fetching, these short-wheelbase, six cylinder W108s seem an absolute bargain. This particular example is priced rather high considering the mileage, but the condition speaks for itself. We saw a 1971 280SE with 80,000 original miles sell for $27,200 last May. With double the mileage you’re getting about a $10,000 discount. Given their relative simplicity in comparison to present day vehicles, I’d be tempted to take a flier on this one. This car is closing in on 50 years of age, but I wouldn’t doubt its ability to soldier on for another five decades.
-Paul
“Car maintained meticulously by owner who was an engineer.” – except for the A/C, which is non-op. That kind of makes it an idle boast. Although it presents nicely, for $17K, I’d expect our engineer to have addressed this issue.
The delta between bidding (4,600) and price (17,000) tells a lot. There is a lot missing in the ad. No pictures of the underside. No information whether the leveling rear suspension has been replaced with a spring (a common repair to save $, but one that makes the engineer in me cringe).
Popeye, if memory serves, only the 300SEL had the airbag suspension – the six-cylinder 280s and 280SELs maintained the stock spring-and-shock-absorber suspension.
Mark, you are correct. However the 280 has a thingamajiggy in the back to level the rear end when loaded. Most have been replaced with a spring. I forget the name of the device, but it is a hydraulic piece which requires periodic rebuilding.
Hydropneumatic compensator… http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/vintage-mercedes/268798-w108-rear-suspension-spring.html for more info.