1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Sedan

- Same owner since 1979
- 2.8L Inline 6-Cylinder, Rebuilt with Carburetor
- Fresh Repaint
- New Exhaust and Tires
- Power Windows, Steering and Brakes
- All Books, Manuals, and Original Parts
- Clean, Collectible Example

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SE on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 145 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“280 S/SE and 280 SE 3.5… offer impressive longevity.” Mercedes.com website commenting on these classic models

Mercedes.com supported their longevity claim noting “Both manual and automatic transmissions are generally considered to be robust.” Wikipedia provided a bit more back-story on the 280SE: "The updated and larger W108/W109 model lines were introduced in 1965. The squarish W108 line included the straight-six M129 engine powered 250S, 250SE, 280S 280SE and 280SEL. During this period, the designation S (for "Sedan") was used for standard carbureted short-wheelbase models; an E (for "Einspritzung", German for fuel-injection) was added to the 250SE, 280SE and 300SE.”

Many a Mercedes enthusiast will weigh in with the view that the 280SE Mercedes sedan models of the late Sixties were among the last of the classic, hand-built, luxury automobiles that made Mercedes-Benz synonymous with excellence.

Offered here in cashmere-gray over dark brown is a well-maintained, refreshed Mercedes 280SE. The car has traveled 92,830 miles since new, a very conservative 1,750 miles per-year on average. This 280SE has had the same owner for more than 40 years. The car is ready to deliver a great many more miles on the Mercedes promise of longevity and reliability.

The car's exterior cashmere-gray paint is the result of a professional re-spray in the factory color. The hue suits the 280 series, and the finish is excellent, uniformly glossy and generally up to a Mercedes standard. Body panels are straight with proper factory-tolerance fit; there is no apparent damage to the body. The body-color-matching, painted centers on the full wheel covers—a longtime Stuttgart factory practice—makes for a properly turned-out, late-1960s luxury-sedan look. The bespoke front grille is virtually perfect, indeed all chrome treatments—on bumpers, window trim, headlight and taillight surrounds-- show similar condition. Window glass in the stately cabin is clear and uncracked; lighting lenses are similarly free of flaws. Stock 14-inch wheels are mounted with new Michelin® Defender radial tires.

Inside, the dark-brown color nicely complements the exterior paint. Seat upholstery material is MB-Tex® legendary for its resistance to wear. The rear bench seat shows minor marks, but overall, the upholstery's condition bears out the MB-Tex reputation. Matching trim on all four doors (with power-window controls) is also in excellent condition. A classic Mercedes-sedan steering wheel frames the iconic raised-dash instrument pod. Wood trim—both across the dash and at the base of the windshield— shows some fading and varnish deterioration often seen in these Sixties sedans. In the same way, there is minor cracking on the top of the dash. The car is equipped with factory power-steering and brakes. An aftermarket Boss® audio head unit is installed in place of the factory radio, and a factory-installed, optional, Thermo King® air conditioner is mounted. The shifter for the automatic transmission is floor-mounted. Cabin carpeting is dark-brown and in generally very good condition for its age.

Under the rear-hinged hood (with front grille attached), the car's original 2.8-liter, straight-six powerplant (recently rebuilt with a carburetor added) shows overall factory-correct condition (with the addition of an updated air cleaner above the added carburetor). Hoses and wiring appear properly routed. The engine bay is clean and tidy and thankfully not overly detailed with gloss-adding spray products. Viewed from below, the car's chassis is entirely free of road damage, another tribute to Mercedes build quality and owner care. The properly routed, recently replaced, dual-exhaust system and independent suspension are worthy of note.

Factory data and build tags are in place and correctly mounted; original copies of owner literature, as well as spare parts, are included in the sale.

While the more than 145 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this Mercedes280SE in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

The Mercedes 280 SE was the standard for luxury European touring in the late Sixties. Out of reach of the masses then, but manufactured with highest-quality materials and exacting assembly processes, today these fine automobiles still deliver a level of comfort and style that compares favorably to many current offerings. The next owner of this classic Mercedes will experience all that, as well as the pride of maintaining and operating a timeless classic.