Lot 120: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3,5Litre

Although Mercedes-Benz replaced the popular W111 series in 1966 with the W108 model range, followed in 1968 by the smaller W114/115 series, it was old style bodyshells that were initially chosen to house the company's all new 3.5 litre V8 engine. The existing 300SEL saloon, which used the otherwise discontinued W109 shell, was available with either 2.8 litre straight six or 6.3 litre V8 engines and there was a considerable performance gap between the two. This was finally filled in September 1969 when the 3.5 litre engine was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the iron block V8 being fitted to the 300 as the 300SEL 3.5. It was also available in both fixed head coupé and cabriolet two door body styles using the W111 type 280SE bodyshell, distinguishable from its six cylinder predecessors by a lower and wider radiator grille necessary to accommodate the larger V8 motor. Otherwise these 280SE 3.5 models were identical in appearance to the earlier cars with exposed twin headlights, rounded rather than finned rear wings and two inches extra width compared to the 220 and 300 saloons of the early 1960s. Underneath there was all independent suspension and disc brakes front and rear, while the fuel injected 3,499cc engine, producing an impressive 200bhp at 5,800rpm and 211lb.ft at 4,000rpm, was mated to either manual or automatic transmission. Whichever was chosen, performance was impressive, the V8 propelling the 280SE 3.5 to a 120mph plus top speed with 0-60mph reached in under 10 seconds. Production, though, was short-lived and consequently these desirable cars are now much sought after. This fine 1971 coupe has had only two German owners since new, during which time it has covered just 96,000 kilometres. Dry stored between 1989 and 2006, and resplendent in metallic silver grey with cognac leather trim, it is described as in good condition with the leather, wood and chrome trim in particular said to have withstood well the test of time. Brought back into regular use last year, and on an historic registration plate, this very stylish motor car offers many more years of satisfying motoring.Dieses Mercedes 3.5 Coupe wurde in Deutschland ausgeliefert, hat 2 Vorbesitzer und war von 1989 bis 2006 stillgelegt,nach nur 96000 km Fahrleistung. Durch die trockene Lagerung sind Holz, Leder und Chrom in einem hervorragenden Zustand. 2006 wurde das Fahrzeug wiederbelebt und bietet mit H-Kennzeichen viele weitere Jahr Fahrspa.