California Canadian: 1974 Mercedes-Benz W114 280C 56K – SOLD!
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August 7, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
Four-wheel disc brakes, independent rear suspension, rear-wheel drive, and an overhead cam inline six-cylinder engine. While those descriptions may have you thinking you are about to read about a foreign sports car, in fact, those are the qualities of the Mercedes-Benz W114 line of automobiles produced in the mid-1970s. Casually referred to these days as “Stroke Eights” among enthusiasts, the 280C two-door hardtop is quickly becoming a sought-after commodity as they like to convert the suspension to an air ride system (“Bagged”) as part of their customization treatment.
Fortunately, this silver 56k-mile 1974 Mercedes-Benz W114 280C for sale, first spotted in July 2023 on Craigslist in Lady Smith, British Columbia, is an unmolested, survivor-quality example featuring only minor changes to improve driveability. Among them include a Petronix electronic ignition and a revised rear axle ratio to improve highway cruising. The seller will include the original parts should someone want to return the car to its original state. More intriguing is whether the seller’s asking price is in Canadian dollars. If that’s the case, this car would only cost just under twelve thousand US dollars, and the exchange benefit would easily cover the transport and duty costs to reimport the car.
Last offered for $15,700 Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask aligns with this guide’s five-year results summary for W114 Mercedes-Benz 280C models produced between 1972 and 1976. By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for:
As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $10,950 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $17,900.
The Mercedes-Benz W114 280C is a classic luxury coupe produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz between 1973 and 1976. It is part of the W114/W115 series, also known as the “Stroke 8” models due to their model designations like 280C, 250C, etc. The W114 series was a mid-size luxury car that replaced the previous W110/W111 models, continuing Mercedes-Benz’s tradition of offering elegant and well-built vehicles.
The W114 280C featured a timeless and understated design, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s focus on classic elegance. It had a distinctive front grille with the iconic three-pointed star emblem, flanked by quad headlights on either side. The car’s body was characterized by clean, smooth lines and a gently sloping roofline, culminating in a slightly curved rear end. The overall design exuded a sense of sophistication and luxury.
As indicated by the name, the 280C was equipped with a 2.8-liter inline-six engine. This engine was known for its smooth power delivery and impressive performance, producing around 160 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It was coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission, providing a comfortable driving experience.
The interior of the W114 280C was crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The cabin offered a spacious and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. Plush leather seats provided excellent support, and wood veneer trim elements adorned the dashboard and door panels, adding to the car’s luxurious ambiance. The instrumentation was clear and well-arranged, while various convenience features were included, reflecting the vehicle’s upscale nature.
For its time, the Mercedes-Benz W114 280C was well-equipped with safety features, including front and rear crumple zones, a robust body structure, and a comprehensive braking system. While the technology might not match modern standards, it was at par with the era, featuring essentials like power windows, air conditioning, and optional sunroof.
The W114 280C was renowned for its smooth and comfortable ride, offering a good balance between a luxurious cruiser and a sporty coupe. The inline-six engine provided ample power and a refined driving experience, while the well-tuned suspension and responsive steering ensured confident handling on the road.
The W114 series, including the 280C, remains highly regarded among classic car enthusiasts and collectors. These vehicles are appreciated for their build quality, durability, and iconic design, making them sought-after classics in the automotive market.
Overall, the 1974 Mercedes-Benz W114 280C is a prime example of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to engineering excellence and timeless design. It encapsulates the brand’s legacy of creating luxurious and dependable vehicles, making it a beloved classic among car enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to their detailed description, the seller provides a number of videos, including this walk-around:
The combination of excellent pictures, a detailed description, and several videos has us believing this 1974 Mercedes-Benz W114 280C for sale is an excellent, unmolested example that makes a wise choice for a classic car enthusiast who prefers sporty comfort during vintage runs.
If you are serious about buying this 1974 280C, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad. When you connect, please mention that you saw their W114 Mercedes featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!
Here’s the seller’s description:
Exterior equipment includes bright trim, a chrome grille, body side molding, a driver and passenger-side mirror, a grille badge, pillar-free side windows, and chrome-accented bumpers with black overriders. The 14” steel wheels have polished covers with body-color centers and ride on 185/75R14 whitewall tires. The car features power steering, power brakes, power windows, power sunroof, power antenna, halogen headlights, fog lights, 4 wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. With the large sunroof open and the pillarless power windows down, one might feel like they were in a convertible. 🙂
The seats are trimmed in Bamboo MB-tex upholstery, and the cabin features a colour-coordinated headliner, door panels, carpets, Coco mats, front and rear centre armrests and custom seat belt holders. Woodgrain trim accents the dashboard, and equipment includes a Becker Europa II 6-button stereo recently refurbished by Becker AutoSound with aux input via a 3.5mm jack, power antenna, and a central door/trunk/fuel filler locking system.
The four-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation, including a 140-mph speedometer, a combination gauge, a shift gear indicator, and a clock. The five-digit odometer shows 56k. Dual-zone heating controls, intermittent wipers, parking brake release, air conditioning (non-operational with parts included), switch for rear passenger compartment light, and headlight switch also on the dash.
This carbureted 2.8-liter M110 inline-six features an updated cylinder head, dual overhead cams, and Pertronix pointless ignition with a Flamethrower Coil.
Recently installed new parts include a viscous fan clutch, water pump, battery, brake master cylinder, and both rear calipers.
Upgrades include:
Stock 3.96 Differential upgraded to a 3.07. Original 3.96 differential included.
This provides improved mileage and less engine noise at highway speeds.
Upgraded cylinder head.
Pertronix pointless ignition and FlameThrower coil
Right side mirror
Becker Europa II 6-button stereo, an upgrade from the 5-button.
Custom seat belt holders
Car Dust Cover
Documentation
1-280C Original Owners plate
2-Owners Manuals
3-Service Documentation – Complete set
4-Radio Documentation
5-280C Options Plate
6-280C data card
Spare parts:
Four Wheels and four chrome wheel covers.
Speedo assembly
Small bumpers from earlier model
Headlights and tail lights
Hood, half shafts and more.
New Parts:
air filters, oil filters, wiper blades, bulbs, fuses, all belts.
Recent Service – All service completed by the current owner.
Trans – fluid change, including Torque convertor, and filter.
Coolant flush – replaced with Xerex G05
Oil and filter change with Lucas “Classic Car” 20/50
Cold start video – https://youtu.be/RJ8ayykzO9w
Driving video – https://youtu.be/M-N6rYQp3IE
Walk around Video – https://youtu.be/Ce6BRskXXF4
Warm engine video – https://youtu.be/zi8b3Pr7_6s
“Show or go: what would you do with this 1974 Mercedes-Benz W114 280C for sale? Please comment below and let us know!
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