The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5 was the period equivalent of today's S-class. It's perhaps the best and most attainable example of Stuttgart's golden-age greatness. Internally designated W108, the big four-door first came into the world in 1965 powered by a 146-hp, 2.5-liter six-cylinder and was dubbed 250S/SE. In time-honored Mercedes-Benz fashion, the following six years saw the W108 receive a host of different six-cylinder powerplants, a long-wheelbase variant (code-named W109), coupe and convertible body styles, and no fewer than three different overhead-cam V-8s. The 280's performance with the 2.8-liter six was certainly adequate, but not up to U.S. standards for luxury sedans and rather busy-sounding, besides. Mercedes changed that with the 6.3-liter V8 but they had nothing in between until when they offered the new 3.5-liter sohc V-8 in the 300SEL and the 280SE coupe/convertible. Then came the 4.5-liter version of that engine and a new 3-speed automatic transmission which then became standard equipment in the 280SEL. This 4.5 liter fuel injected V8 gave the car the kind of performance many people were looking for and needed. The '73 280SEL 4.5 you see here is an incredibly well preserved sedan that is currently showing only 104,000 miles. This car looks more like a 4,000 mile car then a 104,000. From the paint to the interior, the car looks nearly new inside and out. We have records and the original Protect-O-Plate that show the car was a one owner car until the mid 90's. We also have the original Maintenance Booklet with records up to the 75,000 mile service. The golden metallic paint on the car is in wonderful condition with no major imperfections. There are a few minor dings and nicks showing but overall the paint retains a great shine. The car appears to have benefitted from an older respray which shows in the quality. The front and rear bumpers have a brilliant shine and show no damage. The same goes for the rest of the trim and bright work around the car. All of the glass is in good condition with no cracks or chips.Inside, the interior looks nearly new. The Mercedes Leather seats are in near perfect condition with no major spots of wear, rips or split seams. The carpet is equally as nice as well as all of the door panels, carpet and headliner. The wood trim is solid with no cracks or splits. The same goes for the padded dash. This is an A/C car and it does blow. Under the hood, the big 4.5 liter V8 runs great and is incredibly smooth. Connected to the three speed automatic transmission, the car is a joy to drive and very smooth going down the road. This is a wonderful driving car that is solid throughout. The trunk is solid and includes a new rubber mat and original tool roll. This is a great driving Mercedes that looks nearly as good today as when it was new. The car currently shows 04,512 and the VIN number is 10806812014399. This would make a welcome addition to any collection or simply a classic daily driver.