1972 Mercedes Benz 280 SEL 4.5. . . .Survivor, Arizona W108

This stunning 280SEL 4.5 is the perfect starting point for a restoration. Mercedes made only 8,173 280SEL 4.5 V8s from 05/1971 until 11/1972. The V8 4.5 liter version was exclusively offered to the North American Market. This fact is making this car a particularly popular classic in Europe as the powerful 200hp engine can easily cope with Autobahn speeds. The steel sun roof and the rare floor shifter make this car even more desirable.

The color combination (MB 423 Tobacco Brown exterior, MB 140 Cognac interior) is beautiful and shows very well. The undercarriage is rust-free and unmolested as you would expect from a car that spent most of its life in Arizona. We found only one small paint/rust bubble on the passenger side fender (see pictures). The original leather seats are free of any rips or tears. The dash does have minor cracks, which are typical for Southwest cars. The interior wood trim should be refinished and the carpet should be replaced. Some interior accessories are currently not functioning. The sun roof functions as does the heater and a/c blower motors. The A/C is inop. The paint has significant sun damage, but since this car is sold as a restoration candidate, this should not matter. More importantly, the chrome bumpers are in very good condition, complete with a healthy luster, and expensive re-chroming is not needed

According to the previous owners, this car has spent most of its life in Arizona. The engine starts right up and runs. The transmission shifts smoothly and the brakes work. However, the car has not been on the roads for several years. The car is driveable, but will require further inspection and repairs before it would be considered roadworthy. Therefore, the car and all systems should be thoroughly checked and addressed as needed. The mileage on the odometer is 76,xxx.

Overall, this is a fantastic, complete, undamaged, unmolested and almost completely rust free restoration candidate. A rare Mercedes like this deserves your attention.

The master key and one spare come with this car. The original owner’s manual and a copy of the Mercedes Benz Kardex are included with the sale as are the jack and lug wrench (see photos).

The photos below show the car from various angles so you can verify the condition. If you need additional pictures, please let me know. I encourage you to have a pre-purchase inspection completed before you bid on the vehicle. I can reserve a lift for you or your appraiser/mechanic at a shop in South Scottsdale (about 10 minutes from the Phoenix airport).

The car has an Arizona salvage title. The reason for the salvage brand is unknown. An inspection by a local classic car service center did not indicate any accident damage. No liens, clear title in hand.

Buyer responsible for shipping and insurance. We will store this Mercedes for an additional 30 days after sale consummation at no additional charge while the lucky buyer makes transportation arrangements. We will gladly work with your shipper to load the vehicle.

This is a private party sale. There is no sales tax in Arizona on private party sales. The vehicle is sold as-is and where-is with no express or implied warranties. The successful high bidder will submit a $500 non-refundable PayPal deposit within 2 business days of the close of the auction to secure the vehicle. Buyer agrees to pay remaining balance due within 7 business days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be complete before delivery of the vehicle or title.

I accept cash (in person), certified check from a national bank, or wire transfer.

I reserve the right to end this listing at anytime should the vehicle no longer be available for sale.