LOT 276 •
Less than 28,000 from new 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5 Sedan Chassis no. 108 068 12 008778
Sold for US$33,930 inc. premium
Lot 276•
Less than 28,000 from new, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5 Sedan Chassis no. 108 068 12 008778
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
Less than 28,000 from new
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5 Sedan
Chassis no. 108 068 12 008778
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5 Sedan
Chassis no. 108 068 12 008778
Forerunners to the S-Class, the W108 Mercedes were introduced in 1965. The fins of the predecessor W111 cars were eliminated, and the overall appearance was smoother, more sophisticated. Initially powered with six-cylinder engines, the cars were designated 250S, 250SE or 300SE, the numbers relating to engine displacement, the “E” designating fuel injection. A W109 long-wheelbase 300SEL was also available, fitted with self-leveling air suspension. A displacement increase to 2,778 cc in 1967 resulted in a 280S/SE designation, while the 300SE was dropped and the 300SEL received the new 2.8-liter engine.
In order to provide more power in the U.S. market, a V8 engine was made available in 1970, initially a 3.5 liter unit. A 4.5-liter version of the M117 engine was added to the U.S. model range the following year, resulting in the somewhat cumbersome nomenclature of 280SE 4.5. In the long-wheelbase version this became the 280SEL 4.5. The engine was rated at 230 bhp, and a three-speed automatic transmission with torque converter was standard.
By 1972, the W108/109 cars were well into advancing years. Development of the successor W116 range was well along, and its introduction came during the year. Engines, however, were carried over, and the series designations updated accordingly. Thus the direct successor to the 280SEL 4.5 was a 450SEL. Although W108 sales worldwide reached nearly 383,000, the 280SEL 4.5 achieved fewer than 22,000, making it fairly rare in today’s collector market. They were the last team-built cars at Daimler-Benz, aside from the current AMG variants, and they exhibit the build quality expected from a hands-on assembly team. They were also the last with stacked headlamps.
With just two owners from new, this 280SEL 4.5 sedan has been exceptionally well cared for and remains in excellent condition. Showing just 27,873 miles, it retains its original Moss Green paint and Cognac leather interior. An excellent example of an unrestored Mercedes, it comes with original owner’s wallet and manual, and factory tool kit. It is presently registered in New Jersey, and has a clear and assignable title. Ideal for the serious Mercedes collector, it is ready to be shown, driven or simply to be enjoyed.
In order to provide more power in the U.S. market, a V8 engine was made available in 1970, initially a 3.5 liter unit. A 4.5-liter version of the M117 engine was added to the U.S. model range the following year, resulting in the somewhat cumbersome nomenclature of 280SE 4.5. In the long-wheelbase version this became the 280SEL 4.5. The engine was rated at 230 bhp, and a three-speed automatic transmission with torque converter was standard.
By 1972, the W108/109 cars were well into advancing years. Development of the successor W116 range was well along, and its introduction came during the year. Engines, however, were carried over, and the series designations updated accordingly. Thus the direct successor to the 280SEL 4.5 was a 450SEL. Although W108 sales worldwide reached nearly 383,000, the 280SEL 4.5 achieved fewer than 22,000, making it fairly rare in today’s collector market. They were the last team-built cars at Daimler-Benz, aside from the current AMG variants, and they exhibit the build quality expected from a hands-on assembly team. They were also the last with stacked headlamps.
With just two owners from new, this 280SEL 4.5 sedan has been exceptionally well cared for and remains in excellent condition. Showing just 27,873 miles, it retains its original Moss Green paint and Cognac leather interior. An excellent example of an unrestored Mercedes, it comes with original owner’s wallet and manual, and factory tool kit. It is presently registered in New Jersey, and has a clear and assignable title. Ideal for the serious Mercedes collector, it is ready to be shown, driven or simply to be enjoyed.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |