Nice W108 In Albuquerque

[gmog220d]

https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/d/1970-mercedes-benz-280e/6744555360.html

Nice looking car. Low miles. Worth$12K?

[HarvAMG]

Hmm.. If someone bought that car for 10k, I'd say it was well bought. 108/109 values are pretty stable. 6.3 prices have gone to the moon.

[ScooterABC]

Very rare column manual transmission. Cool.

[berfinroy]

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.

[bracurrie]

Military service people often ordered them while stationed in Europe where you could get the manual transmissions.

[ScooterABC]

Originally Posted by berfinroy

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.

You can see the clutch pedal in the interior pics of the car.

[LWB250]

Column shift for US spec models ordered with manual transmissions were not uncommon. In fact, the floor shifter is far rarer on these cars.

Most likely a gray market car for a lot of reasons if you look closely.

Nice example, though a little overpriced.

Dan

[Tomguy]

US-spec marker lights, US-spec headlights, headrests, seatbelts - looks like a typical 108 to me. What do you see that would say gray market?

[Rook]

The ad doesn’t mention any service records or any other form of verifying the mileage. I’m assuming 1970 still had odometers that roll over every 100K miles.

[Tony H]

It's amazing how many low mileage 45 year old Benzes are out there. In 10 years of missing records 100K could easily be put on.
When stationed in Germany I had a 108 250SE with a column shift 4 sp. It shifted as well as a floor shift.

[berfinroy]

ScooterABC: You're right. I didn't look carefully enough at that one photo that shows a clutch pedal in the shadows.
That makes it pretty rare over here, and, for some of us, more desirable. Given that and the overall condition, I don't think $12,000 is out of line.

[bracurrie]

I just bought it. I had it inspected and I know it needs some mechanical work as you would expect from any 48 yr old car, but the major components are in great shape. I am super stoked about getting a clean 108 with 4 speed manual shift on the column. The car has zero rust and has been garage kept so it has no sun damage. It's been maintained but not driven a ton as the documentation agrees with the 70 something thousand miles on the odometer and everything is original including the windshield and spare tire.
The car was ordered from the factory by an Air force officer while stationed in Europe, which is why it has a manual transmission. But get this, it has skid plates! It also has AC and power steering.
I am selling my existing 108 which I have been working on for several years but could never get it right enough to use as a daily driver.
Brad

[gmog220d]

Originally Posted by bracurrie

I just bought it.

Hah hah! I was thinking about going to look at it this weekend, just for grins. Brad, if you are in NM I'd like to meet up to see that car. Send me a PM if that's possible.

[Rook]

Congratulations! I like the red interior and the column shift.

I remember my father had a lot of trouble finding a used w108 with a manual transmission in the mid 70’s but they were definitely offered in America. Mine came from a California dealership in 1969 with 4 on the floor.

[bracurrie]

I have plans to Ebay my W108 280 SE base model with manual floor shift. But several people from the forums have expressed an interest. I will be taking some pictures of the limited rust on the vehicle. Should I list here in the For Sale section?
Brad