This 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5 was reportedly sold new in New York as a North American-spec example. No original documentation has been retained with the car. It was purchased by the selling dealer in 2019 and has been stored in a private collection since purchase. The car is finished in Light Ivory (623) with a Cognac MB-Tex (707) interior, and power comes from a 4.5-liter M117 V8 paired to a three-speed automatic transmission with floor shift. Notable features include air conditioning, power windows, and a Becker Mexico head unit. The car is noted to be running but with power steering pump issues and it’s currently offered as a project by the selling dealer out of Ballground, Georgia. This 280SEL 4.5 now shows 53k miles (TMU) on the analog odometer and is now offered with one key and a clean New York title.

The car is finished in Light Ivory (623) as noted on the data plaque under the hood. The body shows light surface rust areas under various trim bits and accessories along with rust shown at the bottoms of doors and under the rear window frame. The paint shows shade variation between various body panels and all brightwork is reportedly included. Features include US-spec bumpers and lighting.

Factory 14″ steel wheels wear paint matched wheel covers and whitewall tires measuring 195/70 on all four corners. Tucked behind the wheels are original disc brakes. The wheel covers show wear and scratching. 

The cabin is trimmed in Cognac MB-Tex (707) across the seats, door cards, head rests, center console, and dashboard. The interior shows various scuffs and tears throughout the cabin but is reportedly complete. Burl wood adorns the dashboard, windshield sill, door cards, and window trim on all four doors. Additional features include an original quartz movement clock in the dashboard, original air conditioning, power windows, a Becker Mexico head unit, and a locking glove box. 

The two-spoke steering wheel fronts a brown dashboard with Burl Wood trim housing original VDO instrumentation. The cluster includes a 160-mph speedometer, a combination gauge, and a clock. The five-digit odometer shows 53k miles with TMU noted. 

The 4.5-liter M117 V8 was factory-rated for 230 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This example does run and can be seen running in the included videos. The engine turns and runs but the power steering pump is reportedly problematic. 

This 280SEL 4.5 now shows 53k miles (TMU) on the analog odometer and is now offered with one key and a clean New York title.