1972 Mercedes Benz 300SEL 4.5This sunroof 300sel 4.5 has spent themajority of its life in the Pacific NW. The last twoownershave lived in the greater Portland area and drove the car around once per week. I bought the car thinking I was going to have the time to restore it cosmetically but I have become too busy. The car is currently registered and runs and drives very nicely. The cardefinitely needs a cosmetic restoration and various small mechanical fixes but its bones are quite solid. Interestingly this car was ordered in 735Astral Silverinsteadthe standard 180 silver. It is a bit more brilliant and quite rare to see.Please scroll down to the bottom to see 70 enlarged photos or clickHereto see the online album.Drivetrain: The car runs and drives very well. It starts up immediately and idles great. You can drive it anywhere with confidence. It was being driven regularly before I bought it. The transmission shifts excellently and themotor is still very strong. The drivetrain makes the car worth restoring.Suspension: The air suspension is another bright side to the car. I have left this car parked for 4 months and the darn thingdidn't drop an inch. The airsuspension has been maintained excellently and is in proper condition. It willhold air indefinitely.Paint: The paint on the car has becomeoxidized and has lost its luster. It is an older repaint and will need to be redone. There are various scratches and small areas of bubbling you can see in the pictures below.Electrical: The car has a few noted electrical issues including one of the rear reading lights needing to be reconnected and the drivers side headlight needing to be connected properly. When the low beams are turned the drivers side low beam does not turn on but on high beams all come on properly. There will need to be some connections fixed on that. I would also adjust the lamps because they are not leveled properly. The emergency lights work great the radio works all the windows workexcellent except the drivers window (drivers windowwon't shut the last inch or two: it will need a new regulator arm) sunroof works but needs lubrication and new sliders as it tends to get stiff and needs alittle push onthe last inch when shutting.Wood: The wood needs restoration. All ofthe wood is solid except the dash bow. The ends ofthe dash bow are delaminated and you will probably want to replace it with a more solidpiece to restore. Everything else can be refinished andwon't needre-veneering.Carpets: The carpets in the car will need replacing. They are worn out and some original pieces are missing now covered with more modern mats.Dash: The dash pad has no cracks! The heater controls are also present and all work properly. The AC motor works and blows nice and strong but the AC will need recharging. Leather: The leather will need replacing the rear seat backrest is not terrible but it does have cracks on the top from sun exposure. The front headrestsare missing. Bodywork: The car has various dings and small dents. The rear panel looks like it has been pushed in slightly by a fender bender. The drivers door has seen the worst overthe years. There is a good sized dent on the lower portion seen in the pictures. There are also a handful of small dings around the car. The car itself is very solid besides the typical areas where rust starts to rear its ugly head. The sides of the trunk have surface rust starting to show and there is a very small pin hole on the left side near the factory drain hole. There isalso a smalllittle rust through spot on the passenger side footwell. Besides thatthe car is completely solid underneath. The only other serious rust I noted can be seen inthe pictures of the bubbling rear 1/4 panels and some surface rust on the front rocker panel pieces. Being an Oregon car it is not nearly as far gone as some of the East Coast ones you will see. I also noted a small amount of surface ruststarting to show on the rear lip of the sunroof. Chrome: The chrome is average and has some areas of pitting and small surface rust dots on the rear bumper. Some ofthe anodized aluminum trim isstarting to oxidize a bit and getthat hazy look. There are a few scratches but for the most part the chrome is free of dents and quite decent.Exhaust: The exhaust seems fine besides some small leaks. It sounds a tad louder than itshould be so there may be a pin hole or two that needs fixing.Brakes:The brakes are excellent and work fine but dosqueak a bit. Steering: Thesteering is nimble but slightly loose feeling. I am guessing some tie rods will need replacing in the near future.Known Issues:Tie rod replacement neededDrivers window regulator needs replacingAntenna mast needs replacementCar needs Complete cosmetic restorationVacuum door locks work (except for passenger sidedoor) but need adjustmentDrivers side rear door latchseized shut so will need door panel removed to get open and lubricatedAC needsre-chargingBrakes pads need anti-squeel lubricantHeadlight wiring needs fixingSmall exhaust leaks need fixingSunroof needs lubrication and new slidersCar needs new front glass rear glass and door gasketsDoormoldingshave a few dingsHeadlight doors missing original screwsWindshield has a light scratch from bad rubber wiper (may be able to polish out)Hood release cable needs replacing or adjustment currently using pliers to pop hoodTires are old and worn out need replacingCigarette lighter missingWiper arms need attachment properly motor works excellent at both speedsI have a clean and clear Oregon title in my name. Please only bid if you are serious and intend to finalize the transaction. If youwould like specific pictures or have questions to ask me feel free to email me. If youwould like to discuss the car via phone I can supply my cell number.This is a 7 day auction. Auction Ends Friday June 19th at 2PM PST 5 PM EST 9PM GMTDeposit is non-refundable. Deposit due within 24 hours. The full payment is due 3 days after the auction. Buyer is responsible for all shipping fees. Full Payment through bank wire transfer or Bank Check Only. Deposit is not refundable. Only bid if you intend to pay.