While coated in fresh “mellow yellow” paint, today’s Nice Price or No Dice Mercedes is anything but mellow in either presentation or price. Let’s see how much green we might all think it should actually cost.
With the introduction of the Mustang in April 1964, Ford created a new category of automobile—that of the affordable personal coupe—and, owing to the model’s rabid success, a new way to print money. Competition soon became heated in the pony car class, with the Mustang’s most notable rivals coming from Chevrolet with the Camaro and Pontiac’s Firebird. The Firdbird played second fiddle to the Camaro until the mid-’70s when the movie Smokey and the Bandit made a star out of a black and gold Trans Am, thus sealing its legendary cool-car status. The 1975 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am we looked at yesterday came out a few years before that. And being painted white with blue and black decals, it’s a significant contrast to the Burt Reynolds car. That didn’t dull its appeal, although a litany of niggling leaks and problem parts did squelch enthusiasm, as did the car’s $24,500 asking price. That all culminated in a 76 percent No Dice loss.
Since we’re talking about cars in films—or on TV—have you been watching Alfonso Cuarón’s new series Disclaimer? It has a number of time jumps and some cool cars in the earlier-set scenes, but the most notable so far is the choice of ride the filmmakers have made for Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Robert. He’s a bit of a dweeb, and his nebbish character seems ill-suited to the classic Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5 they have given him.
In fact, Mercedes’ W108/109 series, even in six-cylinder form, carries about it an air of exclusivity and regalness. It’s a car that’s always been less of a status symbol and more a bastion of low-key attainment and exclusivity.
And now there’s this 1972 280SEL 4.5 that’s on offer, and it’s been restored with new paint that makes it look all the world like a creamsicle. Or maybe a taxi cab.
Questionable paint choices aside, this classic Benz appears to be in excellent condition and features a cabin that exudes old-school German luxury. This is the SEL model, which means it has a four-inch extension in the wheelbase, with most of that extra room given to the rear seat passengers.
Under the bonnet is Mercedes’ marvelous M117 V8, a SOHC all-alloy unit producing 197 horsepower and 211 lb-ft or torque. Matched to that is a three-speed automatic that feeds Mercedes’ goofy semi-swing axle rear end.
Other noteworthy features mentioned in the ad include a sunroof, period-correct Becker Europa AM/FM stereo, power windows, and air-con. The ad also notes that the restoration, which included the unique yellow and white paint scheme, was undertaken by a prior owner. Other work that preceded the seller’s acquisition of the car included an oil change, some ignition work, and new wiring for the A/C’s ambient air temp sensor.
Mileage is claimed to be 62,000, although, with a five-barrel odometer and no way to verify, that could be higher. Not in question is the car’s title status, which is clean, or its condition, which appears extremely nice for a car of its age.
Unlike yesterday’s Trans Am, this Benz isn’t presented with a discouraging list of little problems a new owner would need to fix. That hopefully will help account for its significantly higher asking price.
That price tag reads $39,900, and it’s now time for you to weigh in on whether you think this well-presented Benz is worth that much. What do you think? Could. a restored 4.5 bring that kind of cash? Or is that price as off-putting as many might find the paint scheme?
You decide!
Portland, Oregon, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
H/T to RevUnlimiter for the hookup!
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