Vehicle Description
"The 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 - the period equivalent of
today's S-class - is perhaps the best and most attainable example
of Stuttgart's golden-age greatness. Internally designated W108,
the big four-door first came into the world in 1965 powered by a
146-hp, 2.5-liter six-cylinder and was dubbed 250S/SE. In
time-honored Mercedes-Benz fashion, the following six years saw the
W108 receive a host of different six-cylinder powerplants, a
long-wheelbase variant (code-named W109), coupe and convertible
body styles, and no fewer than three different overhead-cam V-8s.
That said, all you really need to know is this: in 1972, the engine
swapping came to a head. That year, Stuttgart gifted the
short-wheelbase, four-door W108 with V-8 power - a 230-hp,
4.5-liter unit derived from the 3.5-liter engine first seen in the
1970 280SE coupe and convertible. This combination, sold stateside
for only one model year, offered the best of both worlds, pairing
the nimble chassis of the short-wheelbase model with some of the
thrust of the 300-hp, long-wheelbase, $15,000 300SEL 6.3. What once
was a plodding, low-powered autobahn cruiser had morphed into a
torque-packed sport sedan with all-day-long, 125-mph legs.
On modern roads, surrounded by modern cars, a 4.5-liter 280SE is
something of an enigma. It's that rarest of beasts - a big, old
sedan that simply doesn't feel that old. The light, stiff doors
shut with an endlessly solid, safelike whong that echoes a little
through the interior. The fuel-injected V-8 lights off after a
moment of cranking and then settles down to a smooth, almost
imperceptible idle. Switches and latches feel heavy and
substantial; the dash-mounted, key-shaped headlight switch chunks
into position like a household circuit breaker. The stark interior
is an exercise in restraint, a sparse combination of short-loop
carpet, thin pillars, and unapologetically simple, well-trimmed
surfaces." said Automobile Magazine.
This example is in very good condition with lots of recent
documented service work including: new tire, new battery, new fuel
inectors and hoses, new cooling hoses and belts, new radiator, fuel
lines, recent transmission and air conditioning service.
The 280 SE 4.5 drives as well as she looks, smooth, powerful and
comfortable with no fuss.
The driving dynamics of this car really confirms that this car has
been beautifully maintained. The engine and drive line operate
flawlessly, the steering and brakes operate flawlessly with no
shimmy, wobble or wander. Steering and braking are straight and
drama free. You could drive this car to the store or across the
country with complete confidence.
This car is consigned by a motivated seller , is exempt from
California smog requirements, comes with a clean and clear
California title.
Low rate financing is available with rates as low as 3.5% APR with
approved credit. You can apply directly on our website
(www.lagunaclassiccars.com) by clicking on the "Financing" tab.
We can also arrange delivery to almost anywhere.
