Lot 1067: 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupé

Mercedes-Benz’s 3.5-liter V8 engine debuted in the 280SE Coupé/Cabriolet and 300SEL saloon in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium-alloy cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, the all-new power unit produced 200bhp courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorised ignition. Thus equipped, the Coupé/Cabriolet was good for 125mph, with 60mph reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder versions’ figures. Although the SEL saloon used the ‘New Generation’ bodyshell, the Coupé/Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork which had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and stereo radio as standard. Sadly, the 280SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are much sought after.

This 280SE 3.5 Coupé adds a factory-fitted sunroof, black leather interior and zebra wood trim to the features listed above. Repainted in original Mercedes blue (no. 387), the original bodywork remains excellent and rust free. Just less than 105,000 original miles have been covered from new and the mechanicals are reported as in fine condition. Noteworthy features include new Michelin tires, original Becker ‘Grand Prix’ radio, factory-installed Eberspacher warm-up heater in trunk and a ‘ski sack’ installed through trunk to back seat by the original owner. Offered with the car are its original factory build card, paint chip, owner’s manuals, radio and heater manuals, and listing of Mercedes-Benz Service Centers throughout Germany, all contained in the original factory-provided plastic case. Also included are the original tool kit and jack set, and two 1969 maps of Switzerland and Northern Germany from original owner. The present (third) owner acquired this car in July 2000, the second (California) owner having acquired it in 1979 from the first owner, via a San Francisco auto broker. Complete service records are available for the term of the first and current owners. Offered with State of California title.

Without reserve.