This 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5 was sold new by McNey Motorcars in Maryland and shows just under 98k miles on the odometer. Finished in Blue (903) over Blue Leather (245), power is provided by a 4.5-liter M117 V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes central locking, power windows, a Becker Europa II radio and automatic climate control. This W108 has received extensive recent service including all new window motors, new wood trim, new plugs, valve cover gaskets, brake booster hose, exhaust hangers, fuel pump mount, new rear shocks, sway bar end links left and right and an AC recharge. This 280SEL 4.5 is now offered for sale in Florida with manufacturer's literature, service manuals, the previously-removed original chrome and wood trim, original manufacturer’s literature, a full-size spare, recent and previous-owner service records, and a clean Florida title.
The exterior is finished in Blue (903) with chrome trim lining the front and rear bumpers, beltline and windows. A respray was undertaken by the previous owner and the paint now only shows minor imperfections and rock chips on the hood and roof; all of which are noted with specificity in the gallery. Minor rust remediation was performed on the rear passenger side under current ownership with the original chrome trim being replated or replaced at the same time. The seller has included the original chrome trim with the sale of the vehicle. The glass is heat-insulating and has an electrically-heated rear pane.
The 14” steel wheels wear Solarus tires measuring 205/75 on all four corners with date codes from 2019. The wheels are fitted with chrome hub caps with body color centers and show some signs of wear and fading. The seller reports that the rear shocks and sway bar end links were replaced in November 2021.
VDO instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer which sits alongside gauges for fuel level as well as coolant and oil temperature with an analog clock mounted in the center. The analog odometer currently reads 98k miles with approximately 100 miles being added by the current owner.
Power is provided by a 4.5-liter M117 V8 which is factory rated at 195 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque which is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. Service performed in November 2021 included new spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, brake booster hose, exhaust hangers and fuel pump mount. An aftermarket electronic ignition coil sits in place of the factory unit.
This W108 280SEL 4.5 is now offered for sale in Miami, Florida with the original chrome and wood trim, full size spare, manufacturer’s literature and a clean Florida title.
A detailed interior/exterior walkaround and driving video is viewable below.
The W108 is an iconic Paul Bracq design sold alongside the long wheelbase version, the W109 starting in 1965. For the 1968 model year, a 280SEL was released with a long wheelbase while still retaining the W108 chassis code. Three years later, Mercedes would offer their 4.5-liter M117 V8 in the W108 chassis badged as a 280SEL 4.5 for model years 71 and 72. With just 8,173 units produced, the 280SEL 4.5 was certainly a unique spec and a rare site relative to the more common six-cylinder trims. The W108 also featured plenty of high-end technology for its time including independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, automatic climate control and central locking. This example has received plenty of maintenance including new window motors, an AC recharge, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets and rust repair. For an enthusiast looking for a timeless luxury experience, this M117-powered Blue over Blue W108 is sure to satisfy for years to come.
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23 Comments
@raffi happy holidays. Feel free to send us an email. It’s [email protected]Ok reserve is not met , Now how do we buy this car ?@fuelfiles is it possible for me to stop by and take a look at the car?I was late to the auction and local to you. I would like to see the car in person. Could you contact me at 678-756-2796 ? Thanks SteveNo worries ladies and gentlemen. We will be looking forward to finding this car a new home soon!Not enough money for this lovely car! Maybe next time!$16,000 bid placed by @Maialino
$15,250 bid placed by @Tastybenz
$15,000 bid placed by @Maialino
$14,750 bid placed by @Tastybenz
$14,500 bid placed by @Maialino
$14,000 bid placed by @PeoriaBenz
$13,750 bid placed by @BCKristoffer
$13,500 bid placed by @Tastybenz
Such a gorgeous example and big plus being a LWB$13,250 bid placed by @Maialino
Here we are at the final hour ladies and gentlemen. If there are any last minute questions, please do not feel shy to ask them. You can comment here on the auction or reach out via the contact seller button. Many good questions asked and great people met through that added feature!$13,000 bid placed by @Tastybenz
$12,500 bid placed by @Maialino
$12,250 bid placed by @Bouchu
@raffi precisely. I have the camera recording inside on a suction cup with its own audio (hence you hear when I burned myself on the seat belt and windows actuating) then another external audio recorder in the trunk with microphone wired and taped to the outside of the car. It makes the presentation more professional and you’re able to hear what the car actually sounds like. Feel free to see the Renntech we have live at the moment on here so you can hear that V12 scream!You meant the camera and the microphone are in separate space ?In the driving video, I had the exhaust being recorded with a microphone tucked under the bumper, above the exhaust tips. It helped capture the sound of the engine, but it may have been too close. This exhaust sounds great under load, while cruising this car likes to putter along comfortably however the proximity of the microphone captured more putter than growl in this case. The car pulls healthy with no strange idle or difficulty getting up to speed. As seen in the documents and invoices provided, it has had recent services to ensure it is ready to be driven and enjoyed. This is a car that can be taken out to dinner or coffee and can be a great starter for someone looking to get into a classic Benz.Hello . I have a question , In the driving video I was wondering about the sounds, It could be a muffler leak or a rod knocks . Or its the camera recording, Can you please let me know, Also could be arranged a shipping to Los Angeles if you know any shipping company in your area. It looks to be a nice kept vehicle. Regards Raffi@DriveClassic Thanks!Long wheelbase with the M117 and in a super unique color combination. Loving this one!@Stevieboy I’m not a dealer. I represent vehicles at auction for private owners and individuals that want to sell their cars but don’t have the time to do it themselves, nor want to go via consignment route with a dealer.What a beautiful color! I have a 72 280se 4.5 in beige grey and I keep coming back to admire this blue 280sel. I bet it looks even better in person. Glwa!The description states that you are a private seller, yet your comments indicate you are a dealer. Please clarify.I have a 109 car- they are some of the best postwar automobiles MB ever made. It's a little weird to see something you bought new now as a classic, but I can say with a clear conscience that I loved them when they were not classics, just used cars. I'm glad to see they have come into their own.@Jim_Rosenthal After seeing what dry ice can do, I would do it to any car I plan on taking to concourses. We also try to make the purchasing experience as easy as it can be showing people as close to every inch as possible to make it seem like they're inspecting the car themselves.Very complete photo set. I would immediately take this car to Dryce for cleaning the underside.$10,000 bid placed by @PeoriaBenz
Extensive underbody photos as well as a detailed interior/exterior video with driving footage has been added to the listing. Thank you.$3,500 bid placed by @MJalti88
Very refreshing to see this color combination combined with the engine, and chassis. Love love loveHowdy and welcome all! Happy Monday. We are very happy to present this 280SEL. This is a great example of classic Mercedes luxury and power. Having had recent services and strong bones, this is a car that is excellent for a date night or nice stroll into town. Upon sale the vehicle will be going back into service to get an alignment as the driving video was taken right after the job was completed to prepare it for sale. Undercarriage images and driving video are being uploaded and added shortly so stay tuned!