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LOT 145 ¤

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe Chassis no. 111.025-12-000671 Engine no. 16981-12-006567

Sold for US$70,560 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 145¤

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe
Chassis no. 111.025-12-000671
Engine no. 16981-12-006567

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
*Attractive Dark Blue over Red leather color combination
*Desirable floor-mounted shifter
*Fitted with A/C


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 before you is a lovely Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe. Completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz plant in late 1969/early 1970, this top-of-the-line Benz coupe was first registered on March 9th, 1970. Finished in DB904 Dunkelblau (dark blue) over red leather with the desirable floor mounted shifter, this striking Autobahn tourer must have looked fantastic zooming by at 120mph in the early 1970s.

Likely a resident of its home country for the better part of its life, the early history of the car is not documented. Prior to acquisition by the seller in May of 2013, the car was described as being in excellent condition and recently inspected. While undriven for the past near-decade, and thus in need of a trip to your local mechanic prior to setting off on any long journeys, the car shows quite well as it sits today.

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 is truly a tour de force of classic motoring.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this Mercedes is not fitted with A/C.

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¤No Reserve
Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as "No Reserve" or "Without Reserve"), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value.

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