European Specification Mercedes Benz 280SE - Unusual and Great Condition

Price: US $8,900.00 Item location: Three Oaks, Michigan, United States
Description:

1980 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Short Wheelbase S-Class

Astral Silver over OLIVE GREEN Cloth interior. Amazing and totally unique combination. European specification car that is well equipped with all power windows, central locking, power sunroof, rare air conditioning, dual zone manual climate control, and power antenna. Equipped with period high-end Harmon Kardon AM/FM/Cassette stereo with matching HK amplifier. All accessories and power equipment work properly, with exception of aftermarket radio - only static plays.
The car has very low and genuine mileage of 61,xxx as it was stored for many years in a personal car collection. I purchased it in 2018 and have only put around 1,200 miles on it, including a drive from Nashville (where I purchased it) to Michigan, where it is now in my collection of young-timer German classics. The car has been fully mechanically sorted, and I have receipts totaling over $7,000 for refurbishment, maintenance, etc. It is fully serviced (all fluids including transmission, rear differential, brake, coolant, oil, power steering). AC has been fully serviced and sorted and converted to R134 gas. All new belts, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, ignition wires and distributor cap, new fuel pump, fuel distributor, fuel hoses, etc. An entirely new exhaust system has been fitted. Fully sorted and runs and drives great. The only outstanding issue is that the steering box has some play and could be rebuilt for a tighter on-center feel.
The M110 OHC straight six engine is fuel injected and starts immediately cold or hot. It pulls strongly to redline and can idle in summer temperatures with no overheating, even with AC on. It does not use or burn any oil. The transmission shifts smartly and has no delays going into drive or reverse, and does not leak. The suspension is tight and body control is excellent. The brakes are strong and powerful. Although a big car in its day and for Europe, the short wheelbase W126 S-Class is actually fairly nimble. Although the engine is small by US standards, it is not strangled with emission controls, so make a fairly powerful 170hp, which for its day and size was quite good and better than many much larger US V8 engines of the time.
The car comes with two sets of wheels/tires. Factory original and fully refinished 14" bundt alloys with Michelin tires with less than 1,000 miles on them, and a set of period correct Centra 16" alloy wheels with Continental tires. The Centra's are chrome finished and have some flaws in the finish. Pictures show both sets of wheels fitted.
The interior is the most outstanding and unique aspect of the car - it is Olive Green cloth and very cool. The upholstery is in fantastic shape with no rips, tears or stains. The front seats are supportive, and have manual adjustment controls. The rear seat cushion horsehair stuffing has disintegrated somewhat, and could be re-stuffed to look perfect. The rear seat has a fold down armrest. The factory wood trim is in great condition, as are all the plastics. The headliner is clean and tight, with one small cut over the backseat of less than 1". The dashboard cap has only one small crack less than 1/2". All interior lights, switches, etc. work perfectly. The car has original European headlights with working vacuum height adjuster switch. I have added color matched Coco Mats to the car. The car was refitted at some point with a factor rear high-mount stop lamp in matching Olive Green. The power sunroof works great, but does have a louder than usual sound when operating. All power windows and the central locking function perfectly. The rear parcel shelf has two concealed storage boxes, one of which includes the original first aid kit. The trunk is clean, features the European safety warning triangle, and has a color matched mat.
The exterior is Astral Silver, the original factory color. The car has had a respray at some point in its past. The paint finish is good, but not perfect. There are some flaws in the respray, and the car has accumulated several nicks and scratches over the years. There are no dents or panel deformations. The car has original European bumpers and lighting. The front bumper chrome trim has some scratching - I have a replacement European bumper chrome trim strip that is included with the car. I would say the exterior of the car is a "3-footer". The paint holds a high luster and looks sharp. All exterior lighting is in perfect condition and works appropriately. The factory Power Antenna works quickly and quietly. The windows have been tinted - they are not to my taste, but were obviously done a long time ago and have probably protected the very unique interior from fading and sun damage after all of these years. Overall, there is no rust underneath or on any key body parts, with the exception of bottom seams on two of the doors. It is not extensive, but it should be treated so it does not progress.
I have additional pictures and details to share - please contact me for more information.

Ebay will not accept VIN as it is a European model. The ACTUAL VIN: WDB12602212015833
Vehicle Details:
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Mercedes-Benz
  • Model: S-Class
  • SubModel: 280SE
  • Type: Sedan
  • Trim: Short Wheelbase S-Class
  • Year: 1980
  • Mileage: 61230
  • VIN: 00000000000000000
  • Color: Silver
  • Engine size: M110 2.8 Straight Six
  • Number of cylinders: 6
  • Power options: Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Locks
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Green
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Sunroof, Cassette Player
  • Vehicle Title: Clean
  • Want to buy? Contact seller!