If you’re a classic Mercedes enthusiast and are looking for a light project then here we have an enticing prospect. Still on its single letter Madrid plates, this is a 1972 280SE that runs well, has had a professional respray and now requires some effort on the interior and cosmetics to return it to its former glory.
Found by the current owner in a private garage where it had been for some time, it was rescued and treated to a fresh coat of Light Ivory paint in the owner’s body shop and a full service. The interior wood trim has been refurbished but since then the owner has not had time to take it any further.
The car is supplied with all of the trim items needed to finish the exterior and then just needs new tyres and some attention inside the cabin to make it a lovely usable classic. Get bidding now to secure the opportunity to get this beautiful saloon back on the road.IMG_9389.JPG4.13 MB
The History and Paperwork
Registered new 11 August 1972
The current owner located it after it had been parked up for an unknown period in a private garage in good condition but in need of some TLC
Carried out a complete service including oils, filters, spark plugs, distributor, radiator
Paintwork sanded and painted
New wiring loom
Wood trims restored with hydro print to birds eye wood
Now ready to be finished, all parts included
Single letter Madrid plate, attractive in its own right
The first thing that you may notice when you slide into the driver’s seat of this classic Mercedes are some more modern additions in the form of the steering wheel and the stereo.
But put these to one side as they are straightforward to replace with the genuine items and take in the beautifully restored wood trim which shows a lovely birds eye print.
That does distract attention from the cracking to the dashboard which the next owner may want to address but the good news is that everything works as it should.
The seats are still in very good overall condition although with a couple of holes in the rear seat base. Under your feet, the carpets are well preserved while up above, the headlining is secure although a little discoloured and showing a small hole at the rear.
That’s something you’d easily be able to live with but there are some holes that would demand more attention: the rear parcel shelf (easily filled with speakers) and the driver’s door card, which needs some replacement trim.
There’s nothing here that would stop you driving the car, however, and with decent seats and everything working, the interior could be a rolling project.IMG_9419.JPG3.88 MB
The Exterior
Professionally resprayed in Light Ivory
All trim is with the car, if not attached
Chrome bright and clean
As you would expect from an owner with his own body shop, the respray has been carried out to a very high standard and there’s no sign of any orange peel in the paintwork.
All of the trim pieces required to complete the exterior are included with the car and the chrome is bright and clean throughout, if showing a little patination. The only item requiring attention is the rubber in the rear bumper which has degraded a little.
The wheels are all in good condition but while the tyres have good tread, they look to be from the Eighties and will need replacing. The underside, meanwhile, is said to be in good condition with no visible signs of damage or corrosion. Overall, the exterior is in lovely, if not quite finished, condition.IMG_9403.JPG3.51 MB
The Mechanics
Very tidy engine bay
Recently serviced
Runs well
Under the bonnet, the engine bay is in tidy and original condition and the motor reportedly starts well. The vendor tells us that the car drives very well, is responsive and brakes as it should in a straight line.
No leaks are reported, nor smoke, and there are no untoward noises from the drivetrain or suspension when on the move, just a pleasant sounding exhaust note. In all, it’s ready to go.fe15d14c-e788-4499-b5ec-6c2f05c77482.JPG384.79 KB
Summary
A solid example of Mercedes’ popular seventies saloon that, with a little love and attention, will make a lovely classic for its next owner.
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