1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Auction|2 June 2019, 11:00 EDT|Greenwich

1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe
Chassis no. 111024.12.001692

2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*One owner from new
*Original and unmolested European specification example
*Fewer than 60,000 original miles
*California car from new*

THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SE

Publicly displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1967, Mercedes-Benz's fifteen 'New Generation' models went on sale the following January. But although the fuel-injected 280SE saloon shared its bodywork with the 'New Generation' 280S, the 280SE Coupe and Cabriolet retained the elegant looks of the outgoing 250SE that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE; the 2,778cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder Type M130 engine though, was all new. In fuel-injected 'SE' form the M130 produced 160bhp at 5,500rpm, an output sufficient to propel the manual transmission model to 118mph, with the automatic not far behind. Production of the 280SE Coupe and Cabriolet totaled a little over 5,000 units between 1968 and 1972 when production ceased. Today, these timelessly elegant Grand Tourers are keenly sought after by connoisseurs of fine automobiles.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This handsome 280SE coupe has spent its entire life in California with its original owners. In 1969 the famed actor and Hollywood movie director Brian G. Hutton was in Yugoslavia working on one of his many masterpieces, Kelly's Heroes, which was comprised of a star-studded cast led by Clint Eastwood. While in Yugoslavia, Brian ordered this very car for his wife Vicky and had it shipped to their home in Los Angeles at MGMs expense. The 280SE was Vicky's daily driver, where most of the time it was used to transport her to and from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Over the years, the car was always properly mainlined and kept in use. Sometime in the early 1990s, the car was repainted in its original shade. Since its repaint, the body has acquired a few bumps and bruises but the light damage is superficial, and one could argue that it adds a bit of character. With the exception of the driver's seat back and addition of a cassette player, the interior is all original, showing a very charming level of patina on the beautiful green upholstery. The car still wears its original California black license plates and it accompanied by its original books and manuals. This highly original and unmolested example is ready to for a second owner to cherish and care for it as its first owners have for the last 50 years.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.

Additional information

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