Step Back in Time with This Classic Ride
Let’s take a stroll, or perhaps a cruise, back to a time when cars were crafted, not churned out like barcodes. We’re talking about none other than the 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE sedan, a piece of automotive art with a tale as winding as the roads it’s driven. Originally snagged in Germany by the seller’s grandfather, this US-market classic is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine teamed up with a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s been dressed to impress with a sleek black exterior matched by an equally stunning interior.
Features & Recent TLC
The 280SE rolls on 14″ steel wheels, flaunting polished and painted covers and backed by four-wheel disc brakes. You’ll find the usual perks of yesteryear’s luxury cars here: power steering, central locking, power windows, along with a Becker Europa radio and even air conditioning—a rarity back in the day. In the not-so-distant past, the car received a new battery and had its left-front window regulator replaced in 2023. The air conditioning, because comfort clearly knows no age, was recharged in 2024, alongside a refresh of those shift-linkage bushings. Since its acquisition in 1996, this nostalgic masterpiece comes packaged with owner’s manuals, a bevy of service records, plus tool and first-aid kits, all wrapped up with a Virginia title in the seller’s name, and guess what? No reserve price—this classic piece of history could be yours.
Exterior Details Matter
Initially turning heads with its Anthracite Grey Metallic finish, it later opted for a costume change to black, an ensemble picked by a previous owner. It’s got all the trimmings: US-spec headlights, a signature hood ornament, polished trim, and those chrome bumpers that might be showing a bit of rust but are still standing strong. Apparently, a bit of chipped paint adds some character to the ensemble, but you’ll find all the gritty details and visuals documented because let’s face it—these classics have earned their storytelling rights.
Wheel Power and More
Beneath the chariot-like exterior, its 14″ steel wheels mirror the car’s body-color in their centers, wrapped snugly in 195/75 BFGoodrich Premier thin-whitewall tires. The epitome of luxury back in its heyday, power steering makes those small parking spots and tight turns a piece of cake. And true to its era, four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes stand ready for action. Peeling paint on the wheel covers? Consider it patina, a testament to years well-spent on and off the tarmac.
A Dive Inside
Welcome to a bygone era as black upholstery cloaks the front bucket seats and rear bench, bringing together both style and history. The doors join the ensemble with matching trim, while modern comforts for its time—Becker Europa AM/FM radio, power windows, wood trim, front-seat headrests—all make an appearance. Yes, there’s air conditioning for those sweltering summer days, and a heater for chilly nights. A slightly rebellious headliner at the rear has chosen to become loose, but these quirks just add to its charm. Some fresh mechanical updates keep it ticking along, including the left-front window regulator installed in June 2023 and an air-conditioning system tune-up in May 2024.
The Dashboard & More
The two-spoke steering wheel commands attention with its chrome horn ring, framing an ensemble of a 160-mph speedometer, an analog clock, and gauges for the essentials: coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. You’ll notice the five-digit odometer boasting around 32k miles, of which 10k glorious miles have been added by its current guardian. A small note on the turn-signal stalk: it has a joyfully independent spirit that refuses to stay in position.
Heart of the Machine
Now, let’s take a peek under the hood: a 2.8-liter M130 inline-six powerhouse that rocked Bosch fuel injection, pulling off 180 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque back in its prime. It’s been treated well, having had its cylinder head rebuilt way back in November 2000, with a new battery providing the spark since June 2023.
Driving Dynamics
The driving force behind its elegant motion comes via a four-speed automatic transmission feeding power to its rear wheels. To keep things smooth and steady, fresh shift-linkage bushings were swapped in May 2024.
Decode and Discover
For the detail-oriented vintage car enthusiast, the data plate lends extra intrigue:
- 172 – Originally Anthracite Grey paint
- 246 – Cozy heated rear window pane with heat-insulating safety glass
- 467 – Central locking and dials in English—perfect for US roads
- 491 – Tweaked for US specifications
- 515 – Classic Becker radio Europa
- 589 – Thermoking air con paired with electric window lifters
Extras and Some Documentation
Equipped with tools and first-aid kits, this elegant chariot ships with everything you’ll need for an epic road trip or a Sunday drive. And, just before signing off, a quick note about the Virginia title—it’s a replacement model marked with an “exceeds” odometer brand. Well, no story should end without a twist.