Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- A rarely seen example of this elegant, low volume coupe
- The range topping 3.5L V8 version providing both performance and refinement
- Having benefitted from a recent spend of over £14,000
- This includes a high-quality respray in the coupe’s original Forest Green hue
The Appeal
The Coupe version of the W111 went into development in 1957 as a planned replacement for the two-door Pontons. As the new cars would share the underpinnings of the new W111 saloon, most of the focus was on the exterior design, with a young Paul Bracq taking the reins. Controversially, perhaps, Bracq significantly truncated the prominent tailfins of the saloon, whilst giving the coupe a more modern looking persona.
The best was yet to come for the coupe, however. As a last hurrah for the model, Mercedes Benz fitted it with their brand new M116 3499 cc V8 in August 1969. This took the performance and refinement of this already impressive coupe to new, exalted heights.
This example is a sublime example of an already vanishingly rare model and specification. The expertly refinished exterior combines with an entirely original interior to retain the drama and sense of occasion its first owner must have experienced in 1970. Since the middle of 2023 the car has undergone a number of key recommissioning and improvement works to result in an excellent example which is ready to use and enjoy immediately.
The History & Paperwork
- A desirable German, home-market supplied and specified example
- First registered in May 1970, just a few months before the end of production
- A well specified car with floor change automatic transmission, alloy wheels, power sunroof and 4 electric windows
- Enjoyed by a number of owners in Germany before being imported to the UK
- The car was first registered in the UK in September 2008
- The car was then professionally stored until 2013 whilst the owner lived overseas
- Between 2013 and 2023 the car was regularly used and enjoyed
- Notable journeys included annual trips from London to Somerset
- In 2018 the car enjoyed a road trip to Switzerland and back
- Between October 2021 and mid 2023 the car was used as daily transport in London
- In June 2023 the car was acquired by the current owner
- Since then, the car has undergone over £14,000 of expenditure
- This included a full high quality respray and numerous recommissioning activities
- The paperwork archive includes the V5 in the name of the owner
- This categorises the car as a Historic Vehicle
- As such it is deemed MOT and VED exempt in the UK
- Other paperwork includes numerous earlier MOTs
- The car holds a current, advisory free MOT despite its exemption
- This is valid until June 2024
- Other documents include earlier German documentation
- Earlier service documentation is also present underlining the car’s regular maintenance
- A document detailing the works undertaken in current ownership is also on hand
- This totals over £14,000 and includes the £8,000 plus full respray.
The Condition
- The 280SE presents in its original hue of Forest Green paintwork
- This is the product of an extensive, £8,000 plus full respray
- Complete with the distinctive stacked headlights and optional “Mexican hat” alloys
The Forest Green paintwork appears to suit the sophistication and elegance of the 280SE very well indeed. The recent respray has clearly been expertly undertaken and all brightwork seems to be bright and lustrous. It is noted that a factory steel powered sunroof was specified by the original discerning owner.
Key W111 features are all here – the iconic desirably optioned deeply stacked headlights, stately looking grill and fully refurbished Mexican hat alloy wheels. The condition of everything here appears to be excellent and truly belying the vintage of this Mercedes Benz. To complement the beautifully restored alloys, a new set of Galaxy whitewall tyres in a 205/70 configuration have been fitted.
Key W111 features are all here – the iconic desirably optioned deeply stacked headlights, stately looking grill and fully refurbished Mexican hat alloy wheels. The condition of everything here appears to be excellent and truly belying the vintage of this Mercedes Benz. To complement the beautifully restored alloys, a new set of Galaxy whitewall tyres in a 205/70 configuration have been fitted.
- The interior is believed to be in an original and unrestored condition
- In current ownership it has been professionally cleaned, treated, and recoloured
- The large VDO gauge set and Becker pushbutton radio emphasis the period feel
The 280’s upholstery is courtesy of deep and cosseting ribbed and perforated leather in an ivory hue. The condition of all seat coverings appears to be excellent with just minor and age-appropriate creasing adding to the interior’s character. Dark carpets complement this period look and are well presented with a new heel pad having been professionally stitched into the driver’s footwell.
The dashboard, steering wheel and instrumentation all appear present and correct. Correct Perforated Leather door cards and perforated vinyl headlining complete the originality and period ambiance. The commodious boot underscores this big coupe’s credentials as a bona fide continent crossing cruiser.
The dashboard, steering wheel and instrumentation all appear present and correct. Correct Perforated Leather door cards and perforated vinyl headlining complete the originality and period ambiance. The commodious boot underscores this big coupe’s credentials as a bona fide continent crossing cruiser.
The Mechanics
- This example is fitted with the range topping M116 3499 cc V8 engine
- This is paired to a four speed 772, floor change automatic gearbox
- Subject to a regular maintenance schedule in previous and current ownership
This coupe is blessed with the range-topping mechanical specification offered with the W111. The M116 V8 engine was brand new in 1969 and was soon noted for its smooth and refined delivery and more than enough power for high-speed autobahn use. In this guise this equated to 200 PS at 5,800 rpm and 286 NM of torque at 4,000 rpm. This was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission for the ultimate in fuss-free and luxurious progress.
This example has enjoyed regular and specialist maintenance during the entirety of its life. The previous, and first UK, owner had the car serviced by marque specialists annually between 2014 and 2022. In its current ownership the car has been fully serviced and the automatic transmission fluid has been flushed and replaced. The car’s mechanical condition is further underscored by its current, advisory free MOT valid until later this year.
The diligent maintenance history is reflected in the pristine and beautifully presented engine bay. With the exception of a new, quality battery the engine bay retains remarkable originality with even the rarely present under-bonnet insulation still in place. The expected data plates appear present and correct.
This example has enjoyed regular and specialist maintenance during the entirety of its life. The previous, and first UK, owner had the car serviced by marque specialists annually between 2014 and 2022. In its current ownership the car has been fully serviced and the automatic transmission fluid has been flushed and replaced. The car’s mechanical condition is further underscored by its current, advisory free MOT valid until later this year.
The diligent maintenance history is reflected in the pristine and beautifully presented engine bay. With the exception of a new, quality battery the engine bay retains remarkable originality with even the rarely present under-bonnet insulation still in place. The expected data plates appear present and correct.
Summary
It has become increasingly rare to see a W111on the UK’s highways and byways and, so, it is always a treat. This example manages to combine stunning originality with a beautifully presented recent respray. Despite this, it offers the lucky new owner a real “time-machine” experience. Combine with that the range topping 3.5L V8 specification of this example and you have a very desirable example of a highly revered and prestigious Mercedes Benz classic.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
