To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$90,000 - $100,000
- Ultimate development of the W111 model
- Beautifully finished in Medium Blue Metallic with Bamboo
leather
- Highly desirable factory sunroof example
- Accompanied by copy of Mercedes-Benz data card
- Please note this lot will need to be collected from West Palm
Beach, Florida
For many, the 280 SE 3.5 coupe represents the last of the truly
hand-built Mercedes-Benzes. The ultimate form of the W111 models,
each car started with a standard chassis before being built by hand
by craftsmen-finished with luxurious wood-and-leather interiors for
the bankers, lawyers, and Hollywood stars who would queue up to own
one.
Though weighing over 3,600 lb, each car was equipped with
Mercedes-Benz's all-new 3.5-liter V-8 engine, which ensured a power
output of 230 bhp. With a top speed of 130 mph, and the ability to
reach 60 mph from a dead stop in under 10 seconds, the 280 SE 3.5
coupe certainly was not lacking in energy. Fully independent
coil-spring suspension and four-wheel disc brakes meant that ride
and handling with the long-wheelbase chassis were thoroughly
modern, but unlike a car of the 21st century, the look was
completely distinctive and completely Mercedes-Benz, or "fabulously
handsome," as Road & Track described it. With a luxurious interior
of leather, burled walnut, and plenty of accessories, every lucky
owner took to the road in comfort and style.
Of the 3,200 coupes produced, it's believed roughly 800 were
exported to the United States-all with a full complement of power
accessories. The 280 SE 3.5 offered here, built in 1970, is a fine
example of one of those icons, finished in its original exterior
color of Medium Blue Metallic (396) over a Bamboo leather interior
with Brown carpets. It should be noted that the car has benefitted
from a respray and the interior has been retrimmed, with attention
paid in both departments to the respective original paint and
leather shades. Per the copy of its data tag, the car left the
Mercedes-Benz factory with individual front seats, sliding roof,
radio antenna, floor-shift automatic transmission, and a first-aid
box. The interior is further equipped with a VDO dash clock, Becker
Europa radio, and air-conditioning. It should be noted that the
radio will require repair and the car will require new speakers.
Pirelli P4000 Super Touring tires provide a comfortable ride,
accented nicely by the color-matched factory wheel covers. A
remarkable example remaining very much in the way it left the
factory many years ago, this 280 SE even retains its original
engine.
This 1970s Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupe is a special example of a
rare coupe that is both elegant and practical-the recognized recipe
for near-term enjoyment and long-term value.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl20.
