Highlights

Extremely sought after V8 configuration
Desirable french yellow headlights
Solid car from southern France
Vastly original condition
Strong engine compressions (see invoice on image 102)

The Appeal

Timelessly beautiful. This flagship 280 SE features the wonderfully desirable 3.5L V8 engine, which only 4,500 coupes and convertibles received, out of a staggering 330,000 produced across all body shapes - that’s only 1.3% of produced cars. It’s easy to understand why this is such a wildly sought after example!

These cars are among some of the most beautifully designed Merc’s to leave the production line, and that is an unarguable fact, we can thank Mr Paul Bracq for that.

This particular example boasts vastly original bodywork and interior, with a respray in the original paint code to tidy the car up some years ago. Finding an original example in such solid condition - especially featuring that rare V8 block - is becoming an increasingly tedious task today, and is only going to get more difficult.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on 20/05/1970 in France
Resprayed a few years ago
Recent €881 invoice for various parts replaced
Government test valid until 29/06/2023
Expertly opinionated documentation

NOTE: Although the odometer reads 56,233 km, this is not correct as the odometer has rolled over being accurate only to 5 digits. The vendor confirms a more reflective mileage is 156,000 km

Mercedes 280 coupé 3.5-53.JPG 825.86 KB

The Interior

Vastly original
Gorgeous red leather with matching carpets
Recently replaced carpets
Woodwork is in excellent condition
Roof liner in fantastic shape with no sagging apparent
Trunk area completely treated and re-painted
Panoramic windows
Brightwork in beautiful condition
Tachometer non-functional

The interior of these 280 SE models can be compared to that of a living room on wheels, featuring comfortable red leather seats with a charming amount of patina from the years passed, and the plush recently renewed red carpets. There is of course some scratching, creasing, light colour transfer and minor stretching in areas as to be expected from such original leatherwork, a great showcase that the vehicle has been used and not hidden away from the world over the years. It’s not perfect; but that’s what makes it special.

Directly in front of your seating position you’ll be greeted with the stunning Mercedes steering wheel which is gorgeously presented, and the circular dials directly behind. It should be noted that the tachometer is non-functional, and the mileage of 56,224 is only indicative as we don't have its full history.

The wooden dashboard which stretches all the way across to the passenger side of the vehicle shows excellently defined woodgrain and the panels are well maintained showing no signs of damage, with a very, very gentle patina in some areas. The same can be said about the wooden air vent in the top of the dash located in the centre, and the wooden trim that runs along where the dash meets the windshield. All of the brightwork across this area is very well presented too, maintaining a high level of shine.

Door cards are original and in reasonable order, however the passenger side does appear to have imperfections on the lower portion around the storage compartment, where the leather is separating from the brightwork seam.

The original buttons and switches are all here, including the original radio and the clock just beside it. Seeing how simplistic - yet beautiful - these classic Mercedes are is truly inspiring.

Located in the centre console we see the shifter for the floor-shift automatic transmission which is also original, and maintains nice brightwork here too with characteristic patina. The surrounding trim is in good condition with no signs of any cracks or issues too.

Moving to the trunk area, this example has been completely treated and repainted, which is a very valuable bit of maintenance to be done as we’re aware this is a common weak point for these particular models.

Overall, the interior of this 280 SE is lovely, the admirable level of quality and craftsmanship from Mercedes shines brightly here - there’s no doubt about it.

The Exterior

Repainted in the original colour a few years ago
Yellow headlights per French origin
Beautiful brightwork with gentle patina
No corrosion on the underbody or sills
Lovely panoramic windows
Pillarless coupe design
All original panels
Original wheels shod in Pirelli tyres

Large, luxurious, lustful and impeccably well presented. This 280 SE is nothing short of impressive, showcasing all original body panels, a fresh lick of paint, and some patinated brightwork around the windows - it’s a commendable piece of history.

Starting at the front of the opulent Coupe, we’re greeted with outstanding brightwork and yellow headlights - thanks to the French origin of the vehicle. The large grill is in fantastic shape, all of the fins appear to be straight and true and the Mercedes crest sits proudly in plain view atop. There are no issues to report here!

Moving to the side of the vehicle, we’re greeted with the beautiful pillarless design and the eye-catching brightwork trailing off both the front and the rear bumpers, as well as along the sills of the vehicle - all of which is in great shape. The driver side sill brightwork does have some imperfections when viewed from an angle, but nothing that imposes this vehicle's presence. Also to note, the brightwork surrounding the windows showcase signs of age including some pitting - but overall is in nice shape.

To the rear of the vehicle, very much the same story is repeated - wonderfully maintained brightwork and a glimpse of the all-famous tail fins stretching along the length of the boot lid to the tail lights. The tail lights themselves are in great shape with no damage and fantastic clarity, seemingly joined together by a strip of chrome housing the locking mechanism for the boot. All of the emblems are present and are wonderfully presented!

It’s difficult to look at this vehicle without having to pick your jaw up off the floor thanks to the wonderful design and impressive road going presence.

The Mechanics

Rare 3.5L V8 SOHC power plant
Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection
Rear wheel-drive configuration
Floor-shift automatic transmission
Very dry engine.
Matching numbers example
Excellent mechanical functionality
Smooth and comfortable suspension

Mechanically, it’s reported that this vehicle is in fantastic running order with no requirement for attention. The powerful V8 fires up at the turn of a key and idles happily with no hiccups. The floor-shift transmission provides a smooth and comfortable gear change at any speed as you’d expect from such an opulent coupe, and the suspension provides a lovely and comfortable ride with no unwelcoming knocks or bangs.

Brakes are reported to be of fantastic responsiveness, withstanding the weight of the car rather impressively. Producing a stout 200bhp, it provides more than enough oomph to propel the vehicle effortlessly - and has a claimed top speed of 127mph. Rather impressive for a car from the 70’s, providing sports-car-like performance in the shape of a luxury coupe. Having inspected the car in person we can confirm that the engine is very dry with little to no seepage underneath, something confirmed in the inspection for insurance valuation.

Evidence of a well cared for example, providing a headache-free experience for any potential new custodian, welcoming the possibility of some summer cruising with open arms!

Summary

An undeniably rare opportunity to procure an excellent and vastly original 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, these do not arise very often, especially ones which retain their original parts.

These vehicles have quickly become a collectors dream, and quite rightly so, offering both outstanding aesthetics and matching performance, they’re an obvious choice for any avid car enthusiast in the market for appreciating classics.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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