1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe

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

*Expertly restored example of the classic 280SE
*Equipped with factory air conditioning and Becker radio
*Retained by a UCLA Professor in Southern California for over 4 decades
*Offered with copy of the Mercedes-Benz built sheet, restoration receipts, and original owner's manual

THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE

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.

Just as important in an age when automobile induced atmospheric pollution was becoming a hot political issue, was the fact that the M130 brought with it improved fuel economy and more efficient control of emissions. 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 quality-built Mercedes-Benz emerged from the Stuttgart-based factory in 1969. The new 280SE Coupe was equipped for the US-Market and found its first owner in Southern California. Surely very happy with his car, this first owner would keep the Mercedes-Benz for more than four decades. He was a UCLA professor, and pampered the car with utmost care, while it would benefit from the mild, Southern-California climate. Purchased by the consignor in recent years - a Orange County based classic car enthusiast and restorer with an affection for Mercedes-Benz and European sports cars - the 280SE Coupe would soon be treated to a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration. The year-long process left no stone unturned and attended to both mechanical and cosmetic areas of the car. As the car was disassembled, it became apparent just how dry and rust free it was. For example, the original Mercedes-Benz factory applied undercoating was in such spectacular shape that it just needed cleaning.

Suspension, brake and steering systems were all refurbished with new bushings and bearings, while the engine was stripped down and rebuilt. A new stainless steel exhaust system was fitted as well. The engine compartment retains the original ancillaries, brackets and clamps, all refinished with the correct shade of plating. Tony Wahl and his German Auto Care enterprises of Santa Ana, California were entrusted to handle the mechanical work. The Coupe bodywork was stripped down to bare-metal and refinished by hand in a classic and appropriate Silver Metallic color, neatly contrasted by a black roof. Minimal amounts of metal work was required, as the Mercedes-Benz had been kept in great, rust free condition. The chrome and brightwork were also carefully refinished or replaced where needed and exhibits excellent fit and finish.

The interior was professionally trimmed in black leather hides, perfectly matching the original patterns with the correct perforated bolsters, while the carpets were redone in matching, German quality wool. A period-correct Becker radio adorns the dashboard area, and the correct factory-optioned Behr air conditioning system has been restored as well. Factory Mercedes-Benz parts supplied by the Classic Center were used for excellent fit and originality; a costly affair indeed, but the car has been restored to top standards, where 'The best or nothing' was the theme throughout the process.

Today this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe presents spectacularly well inside and out. The car is neatly fitted with color-coded hubcaps and features the classic look that these cars are known for. The greenhouse-design looks fantastic from every angle, and the car exhibits a level of class that can be compared to by few other cars of the era, as well as impeccable build quality. Restorations performed on cars that were solid from the start, like this one, result in a level of finish unattainable by lesser cars in need of extensive bodywork.

The excellent engineering of these fine automobiles makes them very reliable and user friendly, and one could actually imagine using a car of this quality as a daily driver. Offered with a copy of Mercedes-Benz' factory-build sheet, owner's manual and restoration records, this stylish 280SE Coupe is ready to be displayed at concours events or used on Sunday drives.