1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupe

Chassis No. 111.026.10.002186

The design of a replacement for Mercedes's range of two-door Pontons began in 1957, with the iconic Paul Bracq design making its debut in February 1961 during the 75th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. Initially launched as the 220 SE with a 2.2-liter inline-six, this engine evolved into the 2.8-liter fitted to the 280 SE. Wanting to capture more sales in the lucrative American market, a more powerful and appealing V8 was deemed necessary, so when launched in August 1969, the 280 SE 3.5 was the first Mercedes-Benz Coupe to exceed a three-liter displacement in the post-war era.

Refreshed styling coincided with the new V8, featuring a facelift with a wider and shorter front grille. Both front and rear bumpers were modified with rubber rub strips, and the rear lenses were changed to a flatter, cleaner design. Of note and contrary to popular belief, the new grille was purely for stylistic reasons and not a side-effect of enlarging the engine compartment to accommodate the new V8. Now positioned as the pinnacle in personal luxury from Mercedes-Benz, the 280 SE 3.5 continues today as one of their era's most highly prized models.

This stately 280 SE 3.5 was the subject of a fastidious restoration to its current outstanding presentation in Anthracite Grey Metallic over a beautifully contrasting Cognac leather interior. With an air of sporting elegance, the car was initially ordered with a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission, which is even more appealing with its matching white shift knob and steering wheel. In circa 2010, the car was delivered to Walter Pusch GmbH of Klein-Winternheim, Germany, where restoration began. After completing disassembly, the body was taken to Eckert Automobiltechnik of Bad Münder, where the bodywork was completed with the color change from its original Sand Beige Metallic (467) to its present shade of Anthracite Grey Metallic, and well documented by the accompanying receipts and photographs. Once this work was completed, the body was taken to Jürgen Kassen for final assembly and detailing. Under the direction of Kassen, the interior was retrimmed by Jakob Janzen of Lage, with the final assembly completed in the spring of 2016. Since then, the car has remained in splendid condition and would be an excellent addition to any collection looking for what many consider to be the last hand-built Mercedes-Benz.