1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE

This 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE four-door sedan offers a mechanically-sorted pedigree, featuring replacement suspension components, newer tires, and a rebuilt 4.5-liter M117 V8 that was overhauled within the last 4,000 miles and is coupled with a 3-speed automatic transmission. This 280SE has reportedly resided in California long-term and boasts a rust-free original body with a fresh coat of Silver Metallic paint that was applied in early 2021. Finished with a black leather and wood-accented interior, this W108 280SE is now offered with service documentation and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

The W108-chassis Mercedes-Benz first went into production in 1965 as a full-size luxury car, offered exclusively as a four-door luxury sedan. A second series was later launched in 1967 with changes to the powertrain, wheelbase offerings, and cosmetics. This 280SE from 1972 received a respray in Silver Metallic in early 2021 over a rust-free original body. The seller notes that there are some small cosmetic flaws in the resulting paint finish, but condition overall is good as a driver-grade example. Brightwork is factory-correct for the bumpers, grille, window surrounds, wheel arch moldings and door handles, and a dual-tip polished exhaust outlet is featured at the passenger side rear.

Steel 14” wheels with body-matched Mercedes-Benz covers are wrapped in newer 195/75-sized Champiro VP1 tires. The shock absorbers have been replaced, and handling is assisted by power steering and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes.

The interior is fitted with black leather upholstery for the front buckets and rear bench, color-matched to the door panels, dash, and carpeting. The cabin is accented in wood veneer across the dash and door panels, and additional amenities include power windows, a newer AM/FM/cassette, and air conditioning. The trunk is carpeted and contains a spare tire.

Instrumentation is delivered via a VDO 160-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and auxiliary gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 99k miles, and true mileage on the chassis is unknown.  

The 4.5-liter M117 V8 is equipped a Bosch fuel injection system and was rebuilt within the last 4,000 miles. A new battery was installed recently, and power is directed to the rear wheels via a refreshed 3-speed automatic transmission.

The sale includes service documentation.