Back in 1972 my dad bought a Mercedes Benz 280SE 4.5. I remember how proud my dad was at the time. He absolutely loved that car. And in that car we went on family vacations to Disneyland, Tahoe, Vancouver BC... We also took it to Tulelake for our annual duck/goose hunting trip.

We used that car all the time. For trips downtown San Francisco. And he loved to drive spiritedly. I remember one time, on our way to lunch he raced some guy in a red hot rod Mustang down the Great Highway along Ocean Beach in SF. It was unreal! We had six people in the car. I don't remember the results of the race. But I remember that my mom was not pleased. My grandmother didn't care.

He eventually sold the car for a 1984 Saab 900 which was beautiful but had no power. And it turned out to be a total lemon that had two motors replaced by the factory. But thats a story I don't care to remember.

So, I have been wanting a classic Mercedes for many years. I don't know why. To remember my dear dad? I don't know. But I do know this. Now 30 years later, after searching and looking at numerous cars. I have found my 1970 280S. And it feels amazing.

Miguel

Thanks. They are beautiful cars. Yours looks really nice!

Miguel

Yes, I do have some very interesting background on this car. In a "nutshell"...

It was a 100% Arizona car. Originally owned by a guy in Phoenix. I purchased the car from the 2nd owner. It was given to her in an inheritance but she never drove it and it sat in her climate controlled garage for many years.

I friend told me about the car and after some phone chat I bought a one way plane ticket to PHX and drove the car home that night, 800 miles, to San Francisco.

I just finished the DMV paperwork and got my plates. It is now officially a California car. So I celebrated by taking it on a drive through the Marin Headlands and then to Highway 1 across the Golden gate Bridge. I think she will enjoy The City life.

Picture taken on Balboa St at 38th Ave in front of the Balboa Theatre in San Francisco. One of the last independent theatre left in The City

Miguel

Congratulations ! And welcome to the board !

Miguel, Thanks for sharing your story and photos! I too grew up with and learned to drive in my parents' W108's. Like you, all these years later bought one of my own; a 1973 280SEL 4.5 from the original owner.

Happy Benzing!

great story ,and welcome, I love the 108's 114's and 5's
Your car looks to be in fine shape, do you have much history on her?

Man, black looks so proper.

I love it!

A climate controlled garage in Phoenix. Goddamm, how the hell is it that I never stumble across something like that. Everyone I've seen lately has been a regular use car that looks like hand grenades were tossed inside them after a family of Gerbills vacated them. Lucky find. Well done, I'd really like to see some interior shots.

- Peter.

Here are some pics!

A few more pics...

and last one...

The car is in beautiful condition and I'm really digging that interior color. Don't know that I've ever seen quite that shade of green in a Mercedes interior. Fantastic.

Car looks great, looks like it's had some tlc over the years - a real time capsule under the hood. That said, someday you might replace that little nub of fuel hose between the fuel tank and the metal line.

Holler with any questions - lots of good info here.

Looks fantastic. Well done. Love that interior color by the way.

- Peter.

I think I am in love.....:rolleyes:
If you EVER want to move that car on ...call me first ...lust lust lust:D
Enjoy the ride !!!

Thanks for all of the replys. I just had the rubber suspension bushings and shocks replaced. The car rides so nice and quiet now. No more "clunking" or squeeks.

I have a set of Coco Mats on order as of two weeks ago. I should have them soon. THen I need to work on the sound system yet keep it looking vintage. Its going to be fun!

Miguel

Do you mean in the trunk?

Miguel