1976 Mercedes 280 Sedan Classic! Near Show Condition! Blue Ca Plate, Cold Ac! on 2040-cars

This is perhaps one of the nicest examples of Mercedes’ mid-70s,  mid-sized 280 sedan you’re likely to find anywhere. A classic in its own right, it is not only an unusual sight on the road today but a perfectly practical and capable mode of daily transport.

Powered by the M110 DOHC (double overhead camshaft) 2.8-litre straight six cylinder gasoline engine and backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission, it’s a brisk performer, more so than the larger and heavier S-class sedan fitted with the same powerplant.

First sold in California and still sporting its original blue California license plates, it is a completely rust-free car, and photos below include several views of the undercarriage to convey this. The body is in superb condition, all doors, trunk and hood closing perfectly with factory-spec shutlines. All trim is present, and in excellent condition. There are a few small dings in the rear bumper, as well as some pieces of the chrome bump strips. The paint is mostly original, the hood and front fenders and doors being resprayed some time in the past. The only flaws I could find in the paint are a few door edge chips (touched up) and some cracks on the hood area, which I have indicated with arrows. The largest flaw is the one of the right front part of the hood as seen in that photo. All the glass is original and in excellent condition. There is a chip in the rubber of the rear bumper at the right corner.

The interior is amazing. This car had to be garaged all its life, especially for a Southern California car. The overall impression upon opening the door is almost that of a new car. The upholstery is near perfect. All door panels are unmarked, the carpet was covered by overlays all its life and look new, and the headliner is like new. The seat upholstery is a 9 out of 10, with no rips, however, the padding is beginning to deteriorate and it could use a re-padding to feel as fresh and new as it looks. There were sheepskin seat covers on the front seats, which I removed for the purpose of taking these photos, and I replaced them afterwards. In the glovebox is the original Owner’s Manual.

The dash is almost perfect. There is one tiny crack, almost unnoticeable. There is no warpage at all. The wood paneling is crack-free and gleaming like new. All switches and gauges work although I’m not sure about the clock. The air conditioning blows ice-cold, the central locking works as it should, the electric windows all operate properly as does the electric antenna. Interior lights all work. Even the cruise control works!

The car runs and drives beautifully. The motor is excellent—quiet, powerful, runs cool, no smoke, no leaks. I just had it serviced—oil and filter change, carburetor and timing adjusted, A/C serviced. It starts immediately, pulls away with authority, and the transmission shifts smoothly through the gears. When placed in Park, it will roll a little before ‘catching’ if on an incline, and so I use the very effective parking brake. There's a small drip from one of the power steering hoses, an easy fix. The brakes are firm and powerful, the suspension excellent, with a firm, composed ride, excellent handling and no creaks or thumps. I just had a set of new period-correct whitewall tires fitted, which really sets off the beautiful green livery and all that wonderful 70s chrome.

With just over 105,134 miles, it still feels fresh and solid. The car is a dream to drive and evokes interest and compliments everywhere it goes. It is very inexpensive to insure with one of the classic car insurance companies (check JC Taylor’s rates). I purchased the car with my daughter in mind (she needed a four-door to replace her 2-door diesel coupe, also on eBay right now) but we just found a diesel wagon she’s fallen in love with, so this green gem must go! I have the clear California title in hand. We call it “Sugey” (like sugar) as its plate says 289 SGY.

No reserve! Last bidder gets it! This is a lot of classic car for the money!

I’ve tried to describe the car to the best of my knowledge and point out is virtues as well as its flaws, but being a 37-year old car, there will be maintenance or repairs that will be needed in the future, and so it is sold as-is, without warranty expressed or implied. I encourage you to come out and view it in person if possible. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer although I will make myself available for your shipper and supervise the loading. Or fly in and drive it home!

Feel free to email me with any questions! Good luck bidding on this “Blue Plate Special”!