1970 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SELOW GRILL COUPE
Chassis no. 111.024.12.003812
Engine no. 130980.12.029092

2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Expertly restored example of the classic 280SE
*Wonderful Mercedes-Benz quality
*Equipped with air conditioning, power windows and floor-shift
*Smart and useful Mercedes-Benz in timeless design
*Offered with copy of the Mercedes-Benz built sheet
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE
Publicly displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1967, Mercedes-Benz ‘s fifteen ‘New Generation ‘ models went on sale the following January. But although the fuel-injected 280SE saloon shared its bodywork with the ‘New Generation ‘ 280S, the 280SE Coupe and Cabriolet retained the elegant looks of the outgoing 250SE that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE; the 2,778cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder Type M130 engine though, was all new. In fuel-injected ‘SE ‘ form the M130 produced 160bhp at 5,500rpm, an output sufficient to propel the manual transmission model to 118mph, with the automatic not far behind.
Just as important in an age when automobile induced atmospheric pollution was becoming a hot political issue, was the fact that the M130 brought with it improved fuel economy and more efficient control of emissions. Production of the 280SE Coupe and Cabriolet totaled a little over 5,000 units between 1968 and 1972 when production ceased. Today, these timelessly elegant Grand Tourers are keenly sought after by connoisseurs of fine automobiles.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This lovely example of the timeless W111 Mercedes-Benz Coupe was completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory in September of 1969, and finished much as it appears today in the classic Ivory DB50 color. The cars early history remains unknown, but the car is believed to have been in California for several decades, and possibly since new.
This elegant 280SE Coupe benefits from a recent cosmetic restoration, and shows beautifully inside and out. The exterior paint has been professionally re-finished in the as-factory delivered DB50 Ivory color, while seals and gaskets has been renewed throughout the car. The chrome and brightwork has also been carefully refinished or replaced where needed.
Once inside, a newly fitted interior in the beautiful Bamboo beige invites, neatly contrasted by elegant burl wood, which has also been refinished to the highest standards. The carpets have been redone in matching, German quality wool. A period-correct Becker Europa radio adorns the dashboard area, and the correct Behr air conditioning system has recently been serviced.
The car is neatly fitted with color-coded hubcaps and features the classic, low-grille frontal look that these cars are known for. The greenhouse-design looks fantastic from every angle, and the car exhibits a level of class that can be compared to few other cars of the era. With floor-mounted gearlever, power windows and air conditioning, the car retains some very desirable options.
Offered with a copy of Mercedes-Benz ‘ factory built sheets, this stylish 280SE Coupe is to be displayed at concours events, or used on Sunday drives. The high build quality of these fine automobiles makes them very reliable and user friendly, and one could actually imagine using a car of this quality as a daily driver. Classic, elegant and of very high quality, this Mercedes-Benz would be a great fit in any collection.