Vehicle Description
In the late 1950s, Mercedes Benz was facing a problem. The elegant
300S and 300SC sat atop the range but these imposing and hand-built
cars were becoming prohibitively expensive to produce. In
comparison to the revolutionary tubular chassis 300SL sports car,
the big 300S and SC's body-on-frame construction made felt a bit
old-fashioned on the road and a new model was needed that could be
comparably prestigious, yet cost a fraction of the expense to
produce. For the turn of the next decade, Mercedes-Benz focused
intently to modernize their offerings and reduce production costs
across the range. The new W110 and upmarket W111 series of
four-door sedans and two-door coupes were built using unibody
construction on a shared common platform. This new car was
significantly cheaper to build, shared common components across the
range yet still maintained Mercedes' famous quality and bank-vault
road feel. The first W111 cars were sedans that wore styling that
was heavily influenced by the American market. The "heckflosse", or
"fintail" had pronounced tail fins and an upright, conservative
appearance meant to appeal to American buyers. The coupe, however,
shared little of the sedan's styling and was more understatedly
elegant with a distinct roofline highlighted by deeply curved rear
glass. The coupe's styling was so successful that it outlived the
sedan by several years, eventually lending its styling cues to the
Heckflosse replacement. Top line models were initially powered by
the classic, 3.0 liter Mercedes inline six, fitted with proven and
reliable Bosch mechanical fuel injection. But some customers wanted
more power and exclusivity, so in August of 1969 the all-new, alloy
M116 V8 engine was fitted to the 280SE coupe - along with a host of
luxury options and equipment -� to become the 280SE 3.5. The 200
horsepower 3.5 liter V8 breathed new life in to the W111 for the
final three years of production, transforming the luxurious coupe
into one of the finest four-seat GT cars ever produced. Today's
enthusiasts relish in the unrivaled quality and visual presence of
these magnificent luxury cars. This 1971 280SE 3.5 Coupe is a very
desirable example, finished elegantly in white over beige leather.
�It presents in superb driver condition and features many
sought-after options such as a sunroof, fog lights, floor shift
automatic transmission, electric windows and air conditioning. The
older restoration still presents beautifully and there are receipts
totaling over $25,000 for recent mechanical work and details.
Finished in its original color of DB 050 white, the paintwork is
very attractive and exhibits excellent, consistent panel fit and
detailing throughout. Chrome trim is superb from the grille to the
window surrounds to the bumpers. The classic Mercedes full wheel
covers are color matched and fitted to steel wheels with whitewall
radial tires. Tan leather and burl wood trim feature heavily in the
luxurious interior. The upholstery is in very good condition,
showing only minor signs of use but no excessive creasing or
cracking. The restored wood on this example is very attractive and
shows no signs of the typical cracking or delamination that often
plagues the W111. Power steering, power brakes, electric windows,
sunroof and air conditioning all function as they should, as does
the original Becker radio. Grand Touring cars of this era often
leaned heavily toward the sporting side, yet Mercedes-Benz
staunchly held to their traditions and imparted the 280SE 3.5 with
a heavy emphasis on luxury and easy performance. The 3.5 liter V8
is a beautiful engine, producing a modest 200 horsepower but
delivering seamless power through the rev range, and this car
retains its original matching numbers motor. The SE had a 130mph
top speed and was the perfect tool for effortless continental
cruising. As with all 3.5 liter W111 cars, the engine is dominated
by the signature alloy air cleaner. Most of the fittings and
brackets wear the correct gold-cadmium plating in good condition.
Recent servicing means it is reliable and ready for use. As the
last of the truly hand-built Mercedes Benz coupes, the W111 280SE
3.5 holds a special place among collectors and enthusiasts. These
cars form the bridge between the modern-era, shared-platform
Mercedes and the classic, hand-crafted Mercedes. Beyond their
historical place in Stuttgart lore, they are simply outstanding
cars to drive and own. This fine example is ready for its next
owner to cherish and hopefully enjoy some effortless miles.
