Rare W126 European Spec 280SE - Great Condition, Amazing Interior

1980 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Short Wheel Base

Amazing survivor - rare European specification W126 280SE with 61,xxx original miles. Fantastic and unique color combination of Astral Silver over Green cloth interior. Car was in a collection for several years and since I acquired it a few years ago, I have spent thousands ensuring it is in top mechanical shape. ALL services have been completed, and a long list of new parts installed due to age (Happy to share details if you send me a message as it is a long list of things done to recommission the car for the road). Receipts and records available. Car runs amazing, starts on first hit of key, revs freely and doesn’t use or leak any fluids. Transmission shifts properly, with firm shifts characteristic of this 4-speed automatic unit. Air conditioning converted to R134. Well equipped for an early W126 European model, with power window lifts front rear, central locking, power antenna, power sunroof and dual-zone manual climate with Air Conditioning.
EXTERIOR:The Astral Silver paint shines nicely, but up close has flaws. The car was re-sprayed in its original color at some point in the past, and the quality is fair. There are some flaws in the paint due to poor preparation of that respray, and several small scratches and nicks around the car from age. I have buffed and polished the car and it looks fabulous from 10 feet and good from 3 feet. The only corrosion is on the inner door seems on three doors - it is NOT perforated through the metal, but the door panels should be removed and the rust treated with an anti-rust compound. This is somewhat common on early W126 chassis cars. There is NO corrosion anywhere else on the car body or underside. It was under coated early in its life. The only dent/ding is on one front jacking point - it looks as if the car was on a jack or jack stand and that it slipped - the sill near the jacking point has a dent about 6 inches long, but it does not affect the jack point. The car is wearing MB original 14” Bundt alloy wheels that have been refinished and are like new.s. Michelin tires with less than 1,000 miles are fitted, with date codes of 2014. The car has been stored indoors and their is no weather checking/dry rot. The car comes with an additional set of period-correct Centra-brand 16” alloys wearing Continental tires with approximately 50% tread. The Centra’s are chrome plated and show weathering and some flaking to the chrome finish. All lighting/lenses are original European specification in perfect condition. The headlights have working vacuum level adjustment. The original slim European bumpers are in good condition, but with some scratches on the paint and chrome trim. I have an extra front bumper chrome trim piece that is included with the car. I have several detailed pictures - please contact me to see more.
INTERIOR:The interior is amazing and the reason I bought the car. It is finished in a fantastic green cloth with dark olive dash fascia and beautiful wood trim in amazing condition. The front seats are a 10 out of 10 with no wear, the rear seat is a 9 out of 10 only because some of the original horse-hair stuffing has deteriorated and they could use a reshuffling to be perfect. ALL power accessories inside and out (windows, locks, sunroof, antenna) work as designed. All interior lighting, instruments, switches, etc. work appropriately. Car is fitted with a period correct aftermarket Harmon Kardon AM/FM/Cassette stereo with separate amplifier. Stereo powers on, but only plays static. The headliner is in great condition, with one small cut approximately 1” long over the rear seat. The dash pad is perfect with no cracking, but one small 1/2” cut above the glove compartment. Carpets are in great shape as is rear parcel shelf that contains original first-aid kit from factory. I have added custom color-matched Coco brand floor mats. The trunk is likewise clean, carries the original spare wheel and tire, and also the European traffic warning triangle secured to the inner trunk lid. The instrument cluster and all interior lighting work as designed. I have additional detailed pictures - please contact me to see more.
MECHANICAL/DRIVING:The car starts immediately cold or hot, and the fuel injected M110 OHC 6 cylinder engine runs strong, zips to redline, and doesn’t leak, burn oil, or run hot even at idle with AC running in hot weather. All fluids front to back have been replaced in the past 1,000 miles, as well as all filters, fuel pumps, fuel lines, etc. New flex disks, exhaust system, suspension components, engine gaskets, valve adjustment, plugs, wires, belts, battery, etc. all completed in past 1,000 miles. Anything that needed serviced or replaced due to age or wear has been dealt with by a European specialist mechanic. Car is 100% mechanically with only outstanding issue is that the steering rack has some play around straight ahead that would be cured with a steering box rebuild. The car drives tautly with excellent suspension control and firm braking from 4-wheel discs in perfect condition. The engine loves to rev, and the transmission shifts smartly. I have additional pictures of the engine as well as cold start and driving/acceleration videos to share - please contact me.
I am a huge fan of 80’s/90’s European cars and have a large fleet and some additional cars on the way, so I need to make room. Happy to share details via email or have a discussion if helpful.

On Jun-14-20 at 15:47:56 PDT, seller added the following information:

Car is Euro model so EBay will not accept the VIN. The VIN is:WDB12602212015833

• Condition: Used
• Make: Mercedes-Benz
• Model: S-Class
• Type: Sedan
• Trim: Short Wheel Base
• Year: 1980
• Mileage: 61200
• Color: Silver
• Engine size: M110
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Power options: Air Conditioning, Power Locks, Power Windows
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Green
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Options: Cassette Player, Sunroof
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!