Chassis No. 111.026.12.001918

Engine No. 116.980-12-001680

The Paul Bracq-designed W111 series of Mercedes-Benz from the 1960s and early 1970s does many things remarkably well but there are two notable aspects, one from the inside and the other from the outside, that are indelible once you experience them. As you step in and close the door, it's quickly apparent that Mercedes built-in a most satisfying, solid sound upon latching - one of countless engineering hours as one of Mercedes' last vehicles with a high degree of hand-built construction. From the outside a W111, especially an SE Coupe, exudes, according to Mike Kunz, director of Mercedes-Benz Classic, "an understated, regal elegance." It's easy to imagine, when mixed in among the Stuttgart taxis of the day, these two-door coupes offered an elegant and significantly sportier alternative to those four door-sedans, especially when equipped with the new "M116" 3.5-liter V8. Mercedes had gotten comfortable with their traditional, but aging straight-six, and the 280 SE was the perfect complement to the new 200 hp V8 engine, creating a grand showcase of the coupe's graceful speed.

Elegant, and rare – just over 800 of these 280 SE 3.5 were delivered to the USA within three years – this example, from 1971, was generously optioned when built. It features a sliding roof, automatic transmission, Behr air conditioner, and electric window lifters, Becker Europa stereo radio, and electrically heated rear window with heat insulating glass. While its early history is currently unknown, records on file show a full cosmetic restoration with completion in 2015. During restoration it was refinished in an understated, and period correct, shade of dark blue, one that suits the presence of the 280 SE perfectly. The interior was mostly restored with new, "Natural" brown leather covering the seats and interior paneling, with polishing of the burl-wood dash trim, and new, color-matched wool carpeting underfoot. Most recently, in 2018, this 280 SE 3.5 visited Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine, TX for repairs to the air conditioning system to bring it up to the standards required to properly operate in the hot and humid Texas climate. Multiple parts were replaced along with a compressor rebuild and a full system purge and refrigerant conversion to 134A.

Collectors of W111 series are the beneficiaries of a highly cultivated, enthusiast-led community that exists to maintain these sporty, solidly built cars that define the usable, classic from Mercedes-Benz. This restored 280 SE 3.5 with numbers matching engine includes a group of original owner's manuals with case, data card, history file binder, and trunk mounted spare.