Description:

One owner, Euro-spec 64K mile, 5-speed manual, original Pre-Merger AMG car.

Warm start and spirited driving video here:

THE STORY OF THIS EARLY AMG (Documentation available to serious buyers):

Delivered new to its first and only owner at the Werk Sindelfingen Mercedes-Benz plant on August 5th of 1983, this example received the following factory settings (Factory build sheet available to serious buyers):

- 260 - Trunk emblem elimination.

- 428 - Manual 5-speed transmission.

- 430 - Rear headrests.

- 504 - Right side powered rearview mirror.

- 536 - High fidelity radio.

- 550 - Trailer coupling, Oris hitch and electrical outlet.

- 590 - Heat insulating glass.



Immediately after taking delivery of his new Mercedes-Benz, its owner took it to an emerging tuning shop not far from home. That shop went by the name of "AMG".

The owner recalls that he requested the following performance modifications on his new car:

- Hand made exhaust headers.

- Different cam shafts.

- Sport suspension on all corners.

Additionally, the car was fitted with the following cosmetic/convenience enhancements:

- Steering wheel.

- Wood shifter.

- Blaupunkt stereo system.

- Front and rear bumpers.

- Trunk spoiler.

- Penta wheels.

A few days later, this 280SE AMG passed the techincal inspection administered by the German Technischer Überwachungsverein (TUV) and seldomly traveled German roads until the summer on 1985, when its owner moved to the United States and brought his prized car with him.

With the help of G&S of America. Inc (Mercedes-Benz trucks importer at the time), this 280SE sailed for American shores, entering the USA thru the port of New York on July 8th of 1985 and receiving U.S. Customs clearence on November of the same year. It was then shipped to Southwest Florida, where it has lived ever since.

This early AMG continued to be driven only when weather permitted and it was sometime around the early 1990's that the owner felt that the car attracted "too much" attention around it. Committed to keep a low profile in his new home, he drove the car to his local Mercedes-Benz dealership and asked them to remove any exterior AMG cues, leaving all the performance and interior upgrades untouched. To that effect, the Mercedes dealership installed new european style OEM bumpers and Mercedes-Benz wheels back on the car. The rear trunk spoiler was also removed and the holes on the trunk closed.

Fast forward 25+ years after getting his "sleeper" W126 back from the dealership, the car is mechanically perfect. It starts right away (cold or hot) and everything functions as designed. Power windows, air conditioning, power mirror and so on. But the best part is in the drive; the revvy M110.989 motor pulls strong thru the smooth gears, aided by the internal modifications and the less restrictive exhaust headers. The sound of the straight six as you scream pass modern cars on the Interestate is music to your ears.

The interior is immaculate and it looks virtually as it did back in 1983. The 737 "Classicweiss" (Classic White) paint retains a glossy finish and it is free of major imperfections, while the body is free of dents or scratches. The interior remains original and impeccable, from the unmarked driver seat that shows absolutely no wear to the no longer available German stitched floormats. The wood looks umblemished and it is free of cracks and fading while the original headliner is clean and free of blemishes.

Absolutely NO rust; this car is completely dry underneath; a tribute to the mild weather and caring ownership of the past 36 years.

Before being offered for sale, this vehicle was taken to Prestige Mercedes, Inc., arguably the best Mercedes-Benz specialist in Southwest Florida (feel free to Google them) and it received the following maintenance items:

- New OEM tie rods and bushings.

- New OEM ball joints.

- New tires on factory specified size.

- Brand new OEM (York) AC compressor.

- New OEM valve cover gasket.

- All fluids and filters replaced with Mercedes-Benz recommended parts.

This pre-merger AMG needs nothing to drive you safely and reliably for the next 36 years.

INCLUDED WITH THIS CAR:

- Full set of owners manuals with service records stamped in Germany.

- German TUV certificate.

- Original AMG upgrades specifications, including photographs of the camshafts.

- Original importation paperwork.

- Factory, unused tow hitch (Oris).

- Factory, unused spare tire, still keeping the Mercedes-Benz balance weights.

- Factory tool kit.

- Factory jack.

- Factory safety triangle.

Clean Florida title ready to transfer and clean Carfax available to serious buyers. Pre purchase inspections are welcomed and encouraged; you will not be dissappointed.

Thank you for looking at my listing.



Autobahn Vault, LLC is a small family owned business. We love cars and focus our passion in quality over quantity by offering only a handful of carefully selected classics at a time. We purchase only rare, accident/rust free and low mileage vehicles which we carefully prepare with YOU in mind before we offer them for sale. We believe that an honest and caring business approach is the key to preserve the car hobby for generations to come.

Once we agree on a sales price , we NEVER surprise a buyer with dealer, processing, or doc fees. Of course, we do have to charge for tax, tag and title costs when applicable and as required by law.

For a sneak peek of some of our projects, please visit our website at www.autobahn-vault.com.

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