1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 V8 Coupé (W111)

The 3.5-litre version of the 280SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the progressive easing of fiscal constraints, which had dissuaded customers from buying cars with large capacity engines, encouraged the German manufacturer to offer bigger, more potent power units. Thus, the ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupé/Cabriolet and 300SEL saloon were the models chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium alloy cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced 200 bhp courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel-injection and transistorised ignition. Thus equipped, the Coupe/Cabriolet was good for 125 mph with 60 mph whispering by in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures. Although the equivalent SEL Saloon used the 'New Generation' bodyshell, the Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that 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 a stereo radio as standard. Significantly, the 280SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established and much-admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors, particularly as only 245 were built in right-hand drive. The most prestigious of the 280SE Coupé and Cabriolet variants is the 3.5-litre V8 model made for just two years from 1969 to 1971, the majority of these in left-hand drive.

Offered here is a right-hand drive, W111 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupé supplied new to the UK in 1971 and now finished in Metallic Silver with a black leather interior. It has been owned since 2013 by our vendor who has invested heavily in the restoration of this eternally classic V8 Coupé. Much of the work was entrusted to renowned Mercedes restorers, Silchester Garage of Berkshire, and the history file contains invoices amounting to approximately £37,000 in 2018. The interior was subject to a full refurbishment with new Mercedes-Benz parts including new leather to the seats, door cards and dash amounting to nearly £10,000. The result is an ‘as-new’ interior that doesn’t differ much to the way it looked in 1971. During an earlier body restoration the colour was changed from black to silver and Silchester removed the non-standard sunroof during their works in 2018. At the same time, they carried out work to the injection system, brakes and fitted a new stainless steel exhaust.

As well as being stylish and good looking, these big Mercedes-Benz are practical classics, long-legged and with room for friends and a hamper. With a fresh MOT, in lovely condition and realistically guided in today’s market, this may be one of your wiser investments.