1972 Mercedes 280SE 4.5

2 owners
106K miles
Great example

Up for bids is this very well preserved Mercedes 280SE. This car was bought new in Seattle and has had just 2 owners from new, ith the 2nd owning it for 35 years. The car is very original and exceptionally solid with no rust issues anywhere. Benefitting from a lifetime of good maintenance, he car runs and drives excellent, he big 4.5L V8 provides all the power needed to propel this luxury sedan down the road in comfort and style.
Click to enlarge any of the images below, R click here to view a gallery of all of the enlarged images.

Finished in desirable DB304 Horizon Blue, he car wears mostly original paint. There are some areas that show blending and some areas where the hue is just a touch off. Additionally, ou'll find a few small dings here and there plus some touched up chips on the nose. So while not quite ready for the lawn at Pebble Beach, t overall shows well and still makes a strong presentation. The car is pretty remarkable, just don't like to advertise any vintage car as "perfect". However I will say that the panel gaps are perfect and the doors close like a vault. And the fideility of the car is perfect - I have gone over it from top to bottom and have found no rust issues anywhere - no bubbling, o blistering - no problems. Tires are new Hankook Optimos with less than 100 miles on them.

All of the car's brightwork is in excellent original condtion. The bumpers have never been replated and are still looking great. Always garaged, he car's chrome shines like new with no pitting or hazing.

With the exception of the windshield, ll of the car's glass is original. The driver's window shows some light scratches, therwise all of the glass is crystal clear with no delamination or hard water spotting. The 2nd photo shows the original Bosch wiper blade holders, nd the cowl vent below still has its filter element in place. The anodized trim surrounding the windows is almost all mint, ith only a few small flaws.

Lights and lenses all look great. Hood emblem and star are both terrific.

Straight and clean tail light lenses and decklid badging. The license plate is the original one issued to the car when new, t will be included with the sale.

W108 trunks often serve as a litmus test for the car's history. One look underneath the mat tells it all. The trunk carries its original tool kit and Bilstein jacking equipment. The car also comes with a stack of service records and the original owners manuals.

The interior is incredibly well preserved. From the carpet to the upholstery to the headliner, t's all original and still looking fantastic after 43 years.

Switchgear all operates correctly - horn, ipers, ignals, tc - everything is working as it should. With the exception of the clock, ll of the gauges are operating and show consistent readings. The original Becker radio works great and has good sound. Ashtrays are unused.

Clean and original footwells,the underdash panel boards are all present. The heater levers all move freely and the top left slider actuates the fan correctly at both settings. The A/C system isn't functioning and I haven't diagnosed why. The dash wood is a strong point on this car, t's all original and looking beautiful. The dash top shows no cracks or splits.

The headliner is excellent from front to back. Originality is the theme throughout this interior, ight down to remants of glue application at the factory (2nd photo). The windlacing and wood trim around the windows are in great shape.

Front and rear armrests are both like new. Center console cushion is still present. Power windows all operate correctly. Back seat and parcel shelf are both outstanding. The car has a full set of Kangol seat belts in mint condition. You'd be surprised to see what these sell for on eBay!

Door panels are clean and unmarked. Vacuum locks work correctly. All of the weatherstripping on the car is original and still soft and pliable.

The sills are a potential trouble spot for rust on these cars, ot an issue here.

This Mercedes runs and drives as well as it looks. The car starts instantly and runs down the road without a squeak or rattle. The car shifts precisely, rakes well, uns cool and has a firm, olid suspension. The motor runs strongly with great throttle response and gobs of power. The car was recently serviced with fresh fluids, t's tuned and ready for the road.

Nice originality throughout the engine bay. The lower core support is in perfect condition, ot dented like most.

Rockers and jack points are all solid. Untouched floor pans. Not a leaker. Never hit, ever rusted, his is what a W108 undercarrige should look like.

Click here for a gallery of all of the enlarged images.

About the reserve price:
Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, lease just bid at the level you feel comfortable paying. This auction ends Wednesday November 11th at 10AM Pacific Tim, 2 Noon Centra, PM Eastern, PM GMT.

About Payment:
I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion. I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 24 hours. Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup.

About this auction:
This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid. Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid. Basically, lease only bid if you are ready to purchase this vehicle. Vehicle is sold as-is with no warranties expressed or implied. The original license plate and frame are included. Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, regon under applicable state laws. By bidding you agree to these terms.

About me:
Please check my feedback, take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, onded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon. I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week. Clean and clear title.

You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the vehicle in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5. Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com

Post Auction details:
The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, lthough I'll be happy to help with logistics. I have a wholesale account with a shipping dispatch service and can help you find a reasonable rate.
Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote:
Schumacher Cargo
CFR / Rinkens
California Shipping

Thanks for looking!

Bob Waldman
Cascadia Classic LLC - DA0639
Portland, regon
503-891-7702