When it comes to understated style, a Mercedes Executive Class sedan from the W114 “Stroke 8” generation is hard to beat. As the company noted in their period ads, this 1973 280 Sedan is “Engineered like no other car in the world.”
History
Introduced in 1968, the Mercedes-Benz W114/115 midsize lineup included the 280 sedan seen here. Penned by Paul Bracq, designer of icons like the Mercedes 600 and BMW E24 6-series, it was noted for an all-new, fully independent suspension. Unequal length A-arms with ball joints and coil springs were mounted up front with a rear subframe and trailing arms keeping the back end planted. Four corner disc brakes were another modern upgrade lending credence to the sporty prowess noted in marketing from the era.
Instantly recognizable by its three-box style with simple straight lines, the W114/115 is perhaps best known for its durability. When folks talk about German automotive build quality, they’re likely referring to this particular generation of Benzes. Currently residing in the corporate museum, as a testament to that durability, is a Greek taxi driver’s 1976 240D with a whopping 2.85 million miles. This blend of classic styling, crisp-for-the-time handling and incredible craftsmanship is what makes a model like the 1973 280 sedan up for auction so desirable today.
Benefitting from a lifetime of being parked indoors, the Autumn Beige (430) finish shows very well with some blemishes detailed in the gallery. Body panels are straight with bright work and rubber trim all in good shape, especially up front with the large chrome grille topped by the Mercedes three-pointed star hood ornament. The sealed beam headlights sitting above amber turn signals denote this vehicle as a US-bound model (491). Factory-original 14” steel wheels feature polished hubcaps with color-keyed centers and are mounted in Pirelli P400 tires sized 195/70.
Obviously Well-Cared For
On par with the excellent exterior condition, the inside of this 280 features brown seats, doors and carpeting complemented by a black dashboard. Aside from some loose sections, the front seats show remarkably light wear for a nearly 50-year-old vehicle. Door panels, featuring manual window cranks and front quarter vents, are in excellent condition as is the dashboard, console, bright work and wood trim. Rubber seals in the cabin all appear to be in pliable condition with wear seen on the trunk seal.
The original steering wheel fronts a set of VDO gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level and oil pressure along with a Kienzle clock and 145-mph speedometer, all of which feature clear lenses. Manual HVAC sliders sit atop the original Becker Europa AM/FM radio (515) and “COLDER” dial as this car was originally equipped with air conditioning (580). The console-mounted shifter is notable as the W114 generation was the first Mercedes saloon to feature a center console. Original manufacturer documentation and the owner’s manual are included in the sale.
Straight-Six Smoothie
Sitting in an immaculate engine bay is the original 2.8L inline-6 M110 engine. It features dual overhead cams and breathes through a 4-barrel Solex carburetor to make 157 horsepower when new. Power is run to the rear wheels via the 4-speed automatic transmission with stopping power provided by disc brakes at all four corners. Per the seller, the motor fires up on command and the car runs strong with no known issues.
Please note the air conditioning is not currently functioning. After speaking with the Mercedes-Benz classic center in California, the seller has been advised that the original compressor should be refurbished in order to maintain the originality in the engine bay.
Vintage Cream Puff
Located in Summit, New Jersey, this 1973 280 sedan has been locally owned from new and comes with a clean title. The current owner notes it has been preserved with care and has won awards thanks to its 100% original, Concours-level condition. With just 67,419 miles showing on the odometer, this beautiful W114 is primed for a long life with its next steward.
Benefitting from a lifetime of being parked indoors, the Autumn Beige (430) finish shows very well with some blemishes detailed in the gallery. Body panels are straight with bright work and rubber trim all in good shape, especially up front with the large chrome grille topped by the Mercedes three-pointed star hood ornament. The sealed beam headlights sitting above amber turn signals denote this vehicle as a US-bound model (491). Factory-original 14” steel wheels feature polished hubcaps with color-keyed centers and are mounted in Pirelli P400 tires sized 195/70.
Obviously Well-Cared For
On par with the excellent exterior condition, the inside of this 280 features brown seats, doors and carpeting complemented by a black dashboard. Aside from some loose sections, the front seats show remarkably light wear for a nearly 50-year-old vehicle. Door panels, featuring manual window cranks and front quarter vents, are in excellent condition as is the dashboard, console, bright work and wood trim. Rubber seals in the cabin all appear to be in pliable condition with wear seen on the trunk seal.
The original steering wheel fronts a set of VDO gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level and oil pressure along with a Kienzle clock and 145-mph speedometer, all of which feature clear lenses. Manual HVAC sliders sit atop the original Becker Europa AM/FM radio (515) and “COLDER” dial as this car was originally equipped with air conditioning (580). The console-mounted shifter is notable as the W114 generation was the first Mercedes saloon to feature a center console. Original manufacturer documentation and the owner’s manual are included in the sale.
Sitting in an immaculate engine bay is the original 2.8L inline-6 M110 engine. It features dual overhead cams and breathes through a 4-barrel Solex carburetor to make 157 horsepower when new. Power is run to the rear wheels via the 4-speed automatic transmission with stopping power provided by disc brakes at all four corners. Per the seller, the motor fires up on command and the car runs strong with no known issues.
Please note the air conditioning is not currently functioning. After speaking with the Mercedes-Benz classic center in California, the seller has been advised that the original compressor should be refurbished in order to maintain the originality in the engine bay.
Vintage Cream Puff
Located in Summit, New Jersey, this 1973 280 sedan has been locally owned from new and comes with a clean title. The current owner notes it has been preserved with care and has won awards thanks to its 100% original, Concours-level condition. With just 67,419 miles showing on the odometer, this beautiful W114 is primed for a long life with its next steward.
*When applicable, Hagerty Price Guide estimates are based off information shared by the seller. It is the bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the quality of said vehicle/lot. BorderBuddy importation quotes are estimates only. The quote includes duties calculated in range of the potential final selling price.
Without knowing the reserve it makes it difficult to submit an offer. I’d be willing to pay around $21,.0000 if the seller would like to entertain please contact me.
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Sold to kerijosephson for $20,000 USD
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Offer $16,500 USD
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