Although the add does say its a manual transmission, this is clearly a US spec car (side lights on front and rear fenders), I don't think Mercedes sent over any manuals in the upscale 280 model. In Europe, yes. Column shifted automatics for US bound cars, yes. I suppose it could be a special order car, but I'd have to see the clutch pedal to be convinced.

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Berfinroy in CT
Present vehicles:
1973 300 SEL 4.5
1959 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud I
1959 Ford Thunderbird convertible/430
Past vehicles;
1958 Bentley S 1
1976 ex-Max Hoffman 6.9
1970 300SEL 2.8
1958 Jaguar MK IX
1961 Jaguar MK IX
1963 Jaguar E-type factory special roadster
1948 Plymouth woody
1955 Morgan plus 4
1966 Shelby GT350H Mustang