This 1977 Mercedes-Benz 280SE was initially built for the U.S. market as a press car set to make its debut as a press release car displayed at the New York City Auto Show. It was purchased by the current owner’s grandparents in 1977 in Montvale, New Jersey from Cummins Mercedes-Benz. Finished in Medium Red (516) over a Bamboo (167) interior, power comes from a 2.8L inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a power sliding sunroof, automatic climate control, a power antenna, and power windows with an aftermarket car phone shown. Complete service records have been kept for this example dating back to 1977 with regular service regularly performed. Recent services include an A/C R134 conversion, tune up, transmission service, fuel system service, brake overhaul, new battery, and more. This 280SE shows 45k original miles and is offered by the current owner and seller with factory literature, two keys, two data card plates, complete records. and a clean New Jersey title in the current owner’s name. 

The exterior is finished in Medium Red (516) paint with original brightwork around the windows, at the beltline, and on the bumpers. This single-family owned example reportedly sports all original paint and glass with no history of prior body or paintwork. Exterior features include North American sealed beam headlamps, lower fog lamps, a power antenna, and two rear view mirrors. Detailed photos of the exterior can be seen in the gallery below.

Original 14” steel wheels are mounted with original paint-matched hubcaps shown in Medium Red (516) paint. Hankook Kinergy tires are mounted and measure 205/75 at all four corners. The hubcaps show general wear and fading in the paint with detailed photos available in the gallery. New tires and brakes have recently been installed. 

The interior is trimmed in Bamboo MB-Tex across the seats, headrests, door cards, and armrest. Zebrano veneer accents the dashboard and center console. Interior equipment includes power windows, automatic climate control, an aftermarket car phone, and a factory-optioned power sunroof. Original Bamboo carpets and mats are shown with little wear or discoloration. Detailed photos of the cabin, carpet, and perforated headliner can be seen in the gallery. 

The original steering wheel frames factory instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and an analog odometer showing 45k miles. Additional gauges include coolant temperature, oil level, and fuel level. An analog clock is set within the tachometer.

The original 2.8-liter M110 inline-six is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and rated at 142 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque when new. With the “E” designation, this example features electronic fuel injection. Recent services include a complete tune up, transmission service, fuel system service with new pumps and regulator, a valve adjustment, R134 A/C conversion, and a new battery. Comprehensive records accompany the car showing history since 1977.

This 280SE shows 45k original miles and is offered by the current owner and seller with factory literature, two keys, two data card plates, complete records. and a clean New Jersey title in the current owner’s name.