I spotted this just this morning over my second cup of coffee, for sale in the greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
Some may guess I only like rolling stock with cursive emblems, opera lamps and velour, but I drove Volvos for almost twenty years. Dad had Porsches since before I was born, still has a 356B and a ’67 1800S, and since my parents indulged my love of cars, I had all sorts of Pocket Cars, Matchboxes and Corgi Toys. So I had a veritable UN of tiny cars: Citroen CX wagon, Cougar Villager, Porsche 928 (so who’s the U boat commander?), Celica Liftback, Fleetwood Brougham, a Morgan, an XJS…and a Mercedes W116 taxi. I also had a blue civilian one, but it didn’t survive my childhood. Still have the rest though!
Which is why I perked up when I saw this nicely preserved survivor. I love those color keyed wheel discs, and it looks great in that nonmetallic burgundy paint. I’d prefer the off-white or saddle tan interior to the black, and the seats look a little deflated, but for a 46 year old car, it’s pretty nice.
Per the ad: “Beautiful 1976 Mercedes Benz 280S series. Selling for my father in law. He has owned it for the last 9 years. Routine maintenance has been done on it. No longer able to drive it, he has asked me to help him sell it. I will do my best to answer any and all questions about it.”
“This car is 46 years old. Keep that in mind when looking at it. It has its quirks. If you are looking for a mint condition car this old for 5800.00 please don’t waste my time. I have TONS of interest in it. I will schedule test drives today.”
“Body is in good condition overall. Very little rust under the drivers door. Kept in a garage all year round. Only driven in the summer.”
“In-line 6, 4 speed automatic. Power windows, power brakes, power steering. All original interior and exterior. Which is rare.”
“A/C does not work. Radio is temperamental. Seats are in good condition, but cushions are pretty much shot. Only one wiper works. New battery last summer. We had it out for a drive this afternoon. Asking 5800.00.”
Seems like a decent ask (especially since I saw a Pacer station wagon earlier for twelve grand, haha) for a car which does not appear to be rusty and has no goofy aftermarket “improvements” foisted upon it. Fix the A/C and wonky wiper and you’d have a fun summer driver.