1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe

3,499cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
200bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Top-of-the-line, hand-built Mercedes-Benz
*Period-appropriate Tobacco Brown over Cognac livery
*Desirable floor-mounted gear shift example
*Equipped with Becker Europa stereo radio and Behr air conditioning


THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE 3.5

"If you feel obligated to ask about the price you not only will never understand the car, you have branded yourself incapable of ever appreciating its virtues even if someone gave you one." - Car & Driver on the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5.

The 3.5-liter version of the 280SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s. The ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupe, Cabriolet and 300SEL saloon models were chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-liter V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced a torquey 200bhp, courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorized ignition. Thus equipped, the 280SE 3.5 was good for cruising speeds up near 125mph, with 60mph reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures.

Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the "New Generation" body-shell, the Coupe and Cabriolet kept the coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, came standard equipped with automatic transmissions, air conditioning, power windows, and stereo radio. The 280SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this much-admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line top quality classics are highly sought after by discerning collectors.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Presented here is a lovely example of the now-classic Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe. Luxurious and powerful, this flagship Mercedes-Benz model from the famed Stuttgart-based manufacturer is finished in a period-correct Tobacco Brown over Cognac leather livery. Inside, one is greeted by high-quality brightwork and wood finishes, and a period Becker Europa stereo radio is fitted along with Behr air conditioning. The car is equipped with the desirable, floor-mounted gear shift lever, along with power windows and heat insulated glass.

By possessing a suite of creature comforts, a powerful V8 engine under the hood, and restrained Teutonic styling combined with the quality that comes from low production figures and hand-built construction, the 3.5-liter 280SE Coupe is truly a tour de force of classic motoring.