Running but needs work / Low reserve

Description for Mercedes-Benz 200-Series 1970

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE

Running but needs work / Low reserve

DESCRIPTION

Up for auction is a very presentable vintage 1970 Mercedes Benz w108, 280SE sedan with a M130 straight 6-cylinder mechanical fuel injected engine. Noteworthy options include: working air conditioning, electric windows, four speed automatic floor-shift transmission, Becker AM/FM stereo radio and leather interior. The current and original color combination is Light Beige (181) exterior and Cognac (250) interior. It will come with the original vintage and hand written dealership purchase order/invoice from when it was purchased new at Van Winkle Motor Company in Dallas, Texas in 1970. The original buyer was a lifelong military man (The Air Force I believe) and this car purportedly followed him around the world and many of his military stickers are found on the chrome bumpers attesting and supporting this story. He retired in Utah and had the car for a number of years before his nephew taking it upon his passing. I purchased the car in January of 2016 and my understanding is I’m the fourth owner.

Like most cars of this era, this one is not 100% restored or in perfect condition but it is very tidy and well sorted, and presents itself nicely, showing an original color re-spray believed to have been done in the mid-1990s. Additionally, there was a rear end fender bender in the past (see photo of the body repairs around the license plate lights) and the trunk lid alignment are a bit noticeable to a more critical eye, but the interior restoration craftsman did a near perfect job on the new leather seats and head-rests, seat inner pads, cushions and German square-weave carpets using the best quality of either USA or German materials (believed to be either Gahh or M-B OEM type) and components. This work was done about 10-12 years ago.

Now…………why I’m selling it. It is a running “project” car as I took it to my mechanic recently as it was making a metallic knocking/pinging noise in the engine. He told me that the engine might have spun a rod bearing or possibly need parts in the crankcase but he didn’t want take it apart as he wasn’t sure he could help me. Up to this point the car was running just fine. I want to make sure anyone looking at this advertisement knows that work will need to be done to get it operating properly and perhaps someone has the knowledge and skills to determine the issue and make the repair. I don’t know of another qualified mechanic in my area and I have other hobbies/expenses and have decided not to spend additional funds on the car which is why I’m selling it. This is the only issue that needs to be addressed in order for the car to be fully road ready again. The car does start normally, runs and drives but given the issue it’s probably best not to do so.

The entire time I’ve owned it the engine would start right up and run quietly when warmed up. It has both great compression and oil pressure and shifts smoothly. The mileage is 70,278 on the odometer but I assume this is actually 170,278. The car has been perfectly reliable and I’ve only driven it a few thousand miles since it is my weekend car.

I have two videos that you can access via the links below or perhaps you will need to copy and paste them into your browser. The first is a walk around and the second gives you an idea of what the engine sounds like while running given the issue described above.

https://youtu.be/jkVpaWm6xQk

https://youtube.com/shorts/1phVynwLutE

Some additional information:

-Chassis number: 108.018-12-049788

-It has better than average chrome plating

-All door gaps are very good as is the front hood/bonnet

-Spare tire, jack and tools are in the trunk

-14” steel wheels with body color inserts

-Power operated windows

-Dash light rheostat is hard wired

-Clock doesn’t work

-There appear to have been a few minor rust repairs in the headlamp area, front cross-member bottom, rocker edges, rear quarters (side trunk lower areas), but nothing structural and all repairs appear to have been done well and are holding up nicely. Be aware that I’m not advertising this as totally rust-free

-Could use a new muffler

-Heater needs a new blower motor which I have and will come with the car. Just needs to be installed

-Radio is sometimes crackly with static

-Windshield squirter foot pump doesn’t work

-Comes with a clear Texas title and “paperwork” showing repair work done since 2014. I don’t have any paperwork before this time.

This is the work I’ve had done in the almost seven years I’ve owned it:

-New tires

-Battery

-New AC compressor (York)

-New spark plugs and cables

-New electronic ignition distributor

-Fuel filter

-Window regulator (driver’s window)

-New hold down clamps at valve cover and new valve cover gasket

-Had the mileage odometer repaired

-New trunk lock assembly/key

-Parking brake shoes and hardware

-Left rear axle bearing and seals

-Actuating bracket for the neutral safety switch

-One shifter bushing

-Transmission – replaced seals on the kickdown valve and B2 and B3 servos

I have the records for all this work.

The previous owner (a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast and parts supplier - both NOS, OEM and aftermarket) had the following work done:

-Replaced one front motor mount

-Four new KYB “Gas-Adjust” shock absorbers

-Axle and transmission fluid

-New Air conditioner hoses, evaporator, new receiver-drier, and belts. Was updated to 134A changeover fittings

-New Heater/Defrost/Ventilation levers

-New ATE Brake Master Cylinder and remanufactured vacuum brake booster. All calipers flushed and bled with new ATE/Mercedes-Benz brake fluid

-Rear calipers rebuilt and all front and rear hoses replaced

-Perfectly good used low mileage and low age West German Behr fan clutch assembly installed

-Replaced radio antenna and removed and repaired original Becker radio, power amp and speakers

-Adjusted all engine valves, scoped and adjusted timing ignition system and fuel injection system

-Cleaned and lubricated all window regulators, switches and motors.

-Electric window switches were disassembled, cleaned, lubricated and re-installed

I have tried my best to describe this automobile as accurately as possible to both its positive aspects along with the negative. This has been a wonderful and reliable car and I know someone will enjoy this great classic. My reserve price on this car is less than the current cost of the quality leather interior the car has - which would be available at a qualified Mercedes-Benz dealership or a restoration shop.

Thanks for your interest. Sold As-Is, no warranty implied so no warranty provided, no refund, no exchange, no exception. I have it listed by other means and reserve the right to cancel this listing if it sells elsewhere.

It is your responsibility to personally inspect the vehicle or send a third-party inspector that will perform an inspection to your satisfaction so please let me know if you desire a pre-purchase inspection. Remember, this vehicle is from 1970 and even though I've tried my best to describe it, it can have some imperfections which I'm not aware of. I’m happy to answer any questions.

SHIPPING

Vehicle must be trailered or shipped to your destination from here, Dallas, Texas.Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. I will coordinate with your shipper once you have them selected. Please have your dispatcher or trucking company give ample warning of a few days in advance prior to showing up for pick-up.

PAYMENTS

Please, be ready to buy when you click. A non-refundable $500 deposit is due when the auction ends. The final payment is due within 7 days after the auction ends. Balance is to be paid with a certified bank cashier's check or PayPal. If paying by check it will need to clear before the vehicle is released and the title is sent.

The winning bidder needs to contact me within 24 hours of auction end to make payment arrangements. If you are not sure about something, please don't assume - just ask as I will help in any way I can, but be absolutely sure that you are ready to buy when you bid. All non-paying bidders will be reported to eBay.