Even though it is not a S-Class model or a R-class two-door coupe, this Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan stands out due to its highly original presentation plus recent mechanical...
Even though it is not a S-Class model or a R-class two-door coupe, this Mercedes-Benz 280 sedan stands out due to its highly original presentation plus recent mechanical work.
The W114/W115 models were the first postwar Mercedes-Benz production car to feature a newly engineered suspension system, not one derived from preceding models. This format of semi-trailing rear arms and ball-joint front end would go on to underpin future Mercedes models until the multi-link rear suspensions of the 1980s.
This 280 was made in mid-1973 and was one of 13,718 examples made during 1973 in West Germany. Dressed in Dark Blue Metallic, the car's paint and trim retain their regal appearance. The bodywork is solid and straight, the engine bay is clean and the trunk looks good plus it comes with a full-sized spare tire. The chrome and rubber bumpers fit tightly to the body. A pair of foglights perch above the front bumper.
This Benz rolls on generic white stripe radials. Each tire is mounted on a steel wheel and topped with a body-colored wheel cover. The wheels are in good, original order while the tires are in very good shape.
Under the hood is a 2.8L DOHC Otto straight six-cylinder engine (code M110) with Solex 4A1 dual carburetors. As an Otto-cycle motor, it generated 15% fewer hydrocarbons and 10% fewer carbon monoxide, which was important during the 1970s, an era of tightening emissions controls. Backing this motor is an all-synchromesh, four-speed automatic transmission and a 3.69:1 rear end. Driver convenience features include a power sunroof, power steering and power disc brakes.
Inside, the car's matching dark blue MB-Tex interior is striking. The front and rear bench seats look great, as does the matching carpet. Both bench seats have fold-down center armrests for extra comfort. The headliner looks great and the big Benz two-spoke steering wheel used back then faces the driver and frames a full set of VDO gauges. The back window has a defroster grid. Fuel gauge and horn are inop. A/c blows but not cold. The dashboard and inner doors are in similar shape to the rest of the car. Another innovation in the W114/W115 models included a center console (a first in a Mercedes saloon).Completing the interior, a column-mounted shifter and an updated Bluetooth-equipped radio fills the original radio slot.
The W114 received a facelift in 1973 – with a lower bonnet-line, lower and broader grill, a single front bumper to replace the double bumpers, lower placement of the headlamps, A-pillar treatment for keeping the side windows clear, removal of the quarter-windows in the front doors, ribbed tail lights to minimize occlusion of the tail lights with road dirt, and larger side mirrors. The interior received inertia reel belts and a new padded steering wheel with a four-hole design.
Competition to this Mercedes in 1973 included Audi's 100, BMW's New Class 1800 and 2000 sedans, Saab's 99 and Volvo's 240 sedan.
If you're a Mercedes enthusiast or if you prefer European iron to American or Japanese or if you're just looking to dip a toe into the classic car universe, this would be a prime candidate. Stop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars to see it for yourself.
VIN: 11406012017332
EIN: 110.921
TIN: 722.102
This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 49,357 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!
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