1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the 1960s and 70s have a well-deserved reputation for being some of the best-engineered and supremely elegant cars of their era. The 280 SEL 4.5 was near the model hierarchy's pinnacle, only surpassed by the über luxury 600 and the potent 300 SEL 6.3. Both of those cars featured an innovative but complex and sometimes troublesome air suspension system. This made the SEL 4.5 the ideal car for someone looking for V8 power without the added expense of air suspension or a standard leather interior. The SEL 4.5 was innovative as well. It utilized Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, the world’s first electronic fuel injection system, over the mechanical system used on 600 and 6.3. In effect, Mercedes had created a younger brother to the 6.3, with a slightly sportier feel when ordered in short wheelbase form - like this example. Today these cars are considered outstanding entries to a truly iconic period of Mercedes-Benz styling elegance and engineering prowess. 

Highlights

• Finished in 903 Blue over a blue interior

• The 4.5-liter ‘M117’ V8 endowed the W108 series luxury sedan with 230-horsepower, unmatched by its six-cylinder brethren and on par with similar competition from the United States

• Straight-grain walnut trim graces the dash and surrounds the windows

• Timeless Mercedes-Benz hubcaps, paint matched with the body of the car

• Desirably optioned with Thermo King air conditioning and a floor-shifted automatic transmission

• Upgraded electronic ignition system

• In excess of $10,000 in recent maintenance, including replacing the window regulators, installing replacement wood trim, repairing the AC system, new spark plugs and wires, and new rear shock absorbers

• The speedometer cable was replaced, and the speedometer/odometer was rebuilt in May 2022 displays 97,821 miles, the true mileage is unknown 

Features

The option plate shows the following:

• 401 - Single seats

• 420 - Automatic transmission, floor shift

• 466 - Central locking system

• 491 - US version

• 515 - Becker AM/FM radio

• 589 - 581 + 584

  • 581 - Thermoking air conditioner

  • 584 - Electric window lifters, front and rear doors

• 593 - Tinted glass, wrap-around, darker on top

Other features include:

• Power steering

• Four-wheel power disc brakes

• Individual front armrest with an additional one in the rear

• Cigar lighter

• Locking glove box

Known Flaws

• Rust is noted to be present above the right rear light, along the rain gutter above the right rear door, and near the right quarter panel trim

• Cracks in the dashboard

• Cracked steering wheel

• Inoperable horn and windshield washer pump

• Crack in the left rear door panel

Included

• Owner’s manual

• Factory data card

• Spare trim pieces

• Two keys

Ownership History

This 280 SEL 4.5 was sold new on 12 October 1972 at McNey Motors of Bethesda, Maryland. The car was subsequently purchased and sold in May 2020 and moved from Gainesville, Virginia, to Vienna, Virginia. It was then purchased by the current owner in July 2021, and has enjoyed it in West Palm Beach, Florida, since. 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Cason Vogel Phone: 904.504.7848 email: cason.vogel@broadarrowgroup.com