1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé
- Engine
- 3.5L V8 OHV with Bosch electronic fuel injection, 230 bhp
- Colour
- Silver
A 1970–71 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 coupe, one of only 3,200 produced and among 818 exported to the United States, powered by the 3.5-litre V-8 introduced at the 1969 Frankfurt Auto Show. Representing the pinnacle of the W111 coupe line styled by Paul Bracq, the car retains approximately 40,000 documented miles and largely original condition, with a repaint in silver over its original blue interior. It has earned a first-place award at a regional MBCA concours and is maintained by a respected Mercedes specialist in Massachusetts.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$159,500
- —Auction saleEstimate US$120,000 – US$140,000
- Date unknownPrevious owners (multiple, unspecified)partial documentation
The car accumulated roughly 40,000 miles under prior stewardship; the leather and wood interior retains a patina reflecting regular use and care over time.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent consignorfull documentation
Consignor had the car serviced and refreshed by a well-regarded Mercedes specialist in Waltham, Massachusetts; a detailed historical document file accompanies the vehicle.
Competition
- —Mercedes-Benz Club of America concours programmeRegional MBCA Concours1st prize
The coupe was awarded top honours for originality and was also highlighted as an editor's pick in Autoweek's event coverage.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
The car was repainted in its current silver finish, departing from the original colour while retaining the original blue interior.
This is described as the sole deviation from factory specification.
- —Maintenance
The original boot mat was replaced with a period-appropriate German mat sourced from Niemoller.
- —ServiceEuropean Auto Solutions
The car was maintained and brought up to touring readiness by a well-regarded Mercedes-Benz specialist in the Boston area.
Workshop is located in Waltham, Massachusetts.
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