'Tobacco Brown' from new
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé

• Top-of-the-line 3.5-litre V8-engined example
• One of only 3,025 left-hand drive 280SE 3.5 Coupés built
• Automatic 'column shift' transmission
• Extensive recent refurbishment (invoices available)
• Belgian registration document

The 3.5-litre version of the 280 SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the progressive easing of fiscal constraints, which had dissuaded customers from buying cars with large capacity engines, encouraged the German manufacturer to offer bigger, more potent power units. Thus the ultra-luxurious 280 SE coupé/cabriolet and 300 SEL saloon were chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium-alloy cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced 200bhp courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorised ignition. Thus equipped, the Coupé/Cabriolet was good for 205km/h (127mph) with 100km/h reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures. Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the 'New Generation' bodyshell, the Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220 SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and stereo radio as standard. Significantly, the 280 SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established and much admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors.

One of only 3,720 Coupé examples produced, of which 3,025 were left-hand dive, this most elegant Mercedes-Benz, the top-of-the line 280 SE 3.5 V8 Coupe, was originally delivered to the United States and ordered in the stunning 'Tobacco Brown' colour scheme it is presented in today. It was bought by the immediately preceding owner - a UK-based enthusiast - for his impressive private collection in France. While there the car was maintained by his personal mechanic and saw only very limited use. The current vendor purchased the Mercedes in October 2016, since when it has benefited from considerable refurbishment. In 2017 the body was thoroughly restored and treated to a full professional respray at a cost of €12,490, photographs and details of which are on file. In 2021 various electrical and mechanical repairs plus a service were carried out at a cost of some €6,680. Early 2023 ignition and fuel injection systems were inspected and repaired at a cost of €4,385. Repairs have also been made to the air conditioning, suspension, interior, etc at a cost of €9,990, while the overhauled Becker Europa stereo is now functioning correctly. The total spend on the aforementioned works was approximately €35,000. The related invoices are on file together with various smaller bills. It should be noted that the Mercedes has been professionally converted to European specification, not only deleting the reflectors but also installing a km/h speedometer, etc. The replacement automatic gearbox had been installed already before the 1990s it is believed.
Beautifully finished in a most attractive colour combination of dark brown and sumptuous tan leather interior, this stunning Mercedes-Benz comes with the desirable options of automatic transmission (column-mounted change), air conditioning, and electric tinted windows all round.