When I relocated back to the U.S. in early Spring 1992 after living and working in Japan, I was passed at a rapid rate of speed by an older gentleman and his wife driving a mint condition 1972 280SEL 4.5 with a For Sale sign in the window.

I quickly sped up to them, and wrote down the phone number.

He wanted $4,500 for the car, so my wife and I went to go look at the car. The lived in Laguna Beach overlooking the ocean, and were the original owners of the car. He picked it up in Germany (U.S. spec), drove it there for a few week's vacation, and had it delivered to the U.S.

It had about 225,000 miles on it, and was religiously maintained by a Mercedes Benz tech in Newport Beach.

The car was a light beige color, with dark Brown MB TEX interior, floor shift, and a/c that blew ice cold. Everything worked, and was in near original condition.

I decided I'd offer him $3,500 for it, which is what I thought it was worth. These cars weren't worth much 14 years ago, and figured he'd take my offer.

Well, after several weeks of waiting he didn't, and eventually sold the car.

Now that these cars have started appreciating, I bet this car would be worth at least $6K - $7K.

I've thought about that car from time to time over the last 14 years, and have decided that I will own a W108 with a 4.5 one day.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".