Description

This 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE was sold new at European Motors in San Francisco and had two owners before it was acquired by the selling dealer. Finished in Blue over blue MB-Tex, this US-spec example is said to retain almost all of its original paint and has reportedly been in the San Jose, California area since new. The seller reports that the car was serviced by the original dealer through at least 26,500 miles in 1975, and that it was sold to the second owner in 2001. Power comes from a 4.5-liter V8, and extensive servicing performed by the seller included a new alternator, tires, drive belts, an alignment, overhauled and more as detailed below. This W108 sedan now shows 90k miles and is being sold with a service booklet, service records from the previous owner, a toolkit, original books, spare keys, factory data card, several California registration cards, a clean California title & EU import documents proving all import duties are paid. Belgian or German registration can be arranged by the selling dealer.

The Blue (903) exterior is reported to be mostly original according to a thickness gauge test performed by the seller. The left front fender top was reportedly repainted, and a small repair of the right rear wheel arch was also discovered. According to the seller, the finish shows some small stone chips in the front.

Brightwork appears complete in photographs, with some minor weathering of the bumpers and a small dimple in the grille housing. 14” steel wheels wear new Hankook Optimo whitewall tires, and body-matched caps show some light scratches. A decode of the included data card lists the following options:

• 246 – Heated back glass
• 420 – Automatic floor shift
• 466 – Central locking
• 491 – US model
• 515 – Becker radio
• 524 – Paint coat preservation
• 540 – Seat adapter (center console pad)
• 589 – Air conditioning
• 595 – Tinted windows
• 641 – Whitewall tires

The car is reported to retain its original blue MB-Tex (135) seats and German loop carpeting. A small tear on the driver’s bolster is shown in detail in the gallery, and disintegration of the driver’s heel pad vinyl is noted.

The upper dash wood is believed to have been refurbished some time ago. A Becker Europa and correct Hirschmann antenna are retained, and the factory A/C is said to blow cold following a recent service by the seller. The 90k indicated miles are believed accurate based on the condition and some available documentation.

The 4.5L M117 V8 is backed by an automatic floor-shifted transmission. Servicing within the last 100 miles included a new battery, alternator, voltage regulator, front and rear brake hoses, new drive belts, a brake fluid flush, replacement engine and transmission mounts, front shocks, tie rod ends, new whitewall tires, an alignment, and an A/C service. Dealership servicing by European Motors of San Francisco is indicated in the stamped service booklet through March 1975 at 26k miles.

Additional images in the gallery show the wheel wells, brakes suspension, and underside.

The original California blue plates accompany the sale, and other books and manuals will also be included.