1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé W111

Currently held in the UK as a temporary import, this car comes with its Irish (European) title. While the 5% historic import VAT will need to be settled by the buyer (if the car is remaining in the UK), the vendor is committed to assisting with all documentation to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Highlights

• European road registered - free movement within Europe (not VAT to pay)
• Left-hand drive, European-market example with the desirable low grille
• Comprehensively restored to a high standard
• Accompanied by its original 1971 book pack including data card, manuals, and Mercedes-Benz wallet
• Well-specified with Behr air conditioning, electric windows, central tunnel gear selector, and a working Becker radio
• Driven from Ireland to London by the outgoing owner without reported issue

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé is the sort of car that demands attention. It's the last of the W111 series - the last of the hand-built pillarless grand tourers to emerge from Sindelfingen. Friedrich Geiger's design, with its seamless glass-to-glass profile from A- to C-pillar, remains one of the most elegant shapes ever to wear the three-pointed star. Beneath it, the 'M116' 3.5-litre V8, Mercedes' first modern eight-cylinder engine, delivered 200 horsepower with a refinement that matched the car's understated character. European-market examples such as this one are particularly sought-after for their slimmer bumpers and cleaner lines.

This left-hand drive, low grille coupé has been comprehensively restored and, according to the vendor, presents in very good order both inside and out. Adding to its appeal is the original 1971 book pack, which includes the data card, owner's manuals, and Mercedes-Benz wallet. The car's recent provenance traces from Italy to Bordeaux, then onward to Ireland, and most recently to London, each leg completed under its own power. The vendor reports that during his own drive through dense London traffic, the temperature gauge held steady, the idle was smooth, and the automatic gearbox shifted cleanly.

Currently held in the UK as a temporary import, the car comes with its Irish title. The 5% historic import VAT will need to be settled by the buyer if the car is to remain in the UK; the vendor is committed to assisting with all documentation to make the process as straightforward as possible.

History and Paperwork

• 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé, left-hand drive
• European-market car, original supplied to California, with low grille specification
• Previously owned in Italy, subsequently in Bordeaux (France), then Ireland
• Currently held in the UK as a temporary import; Irish title present
• 5% historic import VAT to be settled by the buyer if the car is to remain in the UK; the vendor will assist with documentation
• Original 1971 book pack present, including data card, owner's manuals, and Mercedes-Benz wallet
• No UK MOT currently in place (temporary import)

The Condition

• The vendor describes the car as having been fully restored to a high standard
• Pillarless coupé body with hand-fitted panels
• European-market bodywork with slimmer chrome bumpers and low grille
• Tinted glass fitted
• Interior with polished wood veneers and leather upholstery, reported by the vendor to present in very good order
• Original Becker radio in situ and reported to be working, with electric aerial
• Front head restraints and seat belts fitted
• Gear selector located on the central tunnel
• Prospective buyers are encouraged to study the accompanying photographs closely

The W111 has become something of a styling masterclass. Perfectly bridging American 'fintail' styling and legendary German build quality, these long-nosed executive cars were understated yet elegant in all of the best ways, marked by straight, sophisticated lines and subtle curves.
This example, having been restored to a high standard, is a particularly grand ambassador. The bodywork is straight and tight throughout, with a handsome Ivory livery and brightwork contrasting very nicely. The entire thing is sat atop a pair of colour-contrasting wheels, which match nicely with the car's roof. Underneath, everything is solid and well-presented, with only gentle patina.

The interior, adorned in dark blue leather with handsome wooden veneers, is a very evocative place to be. There's a very handsome character to every dial, every panel and every stitch; the sort of hand-built handsomeness that Sindelfingen seemed to be particularly proficient in. The vendor reports that everything here is working as it should, right down to the rare, desirable Becker radio.

The Mechanics

• 3.5-litre V8 (M116) with Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, producing 200 horsepower
• 4-speed automatic gearbox
• Factory power steering (recirculating ball)
• Power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels
• Independent suspension all round: double wishbones at the front, low-pivot swing axle at the rear
• Behr air conditioning
• Electric windows
• The vendor reports that the engine runs smoothly, with a steady temperature gauge and stable idle even in heavy traffic
• Driven from Ireland to London by the outgoing owner without any reported issues

With 200hp on tap thanks to Mercedes' first true production V8, the W111 is no slouch, but it's much more aimed at leisurely, long-distance cruising. It's almost a bygone era nowadays, but this handsome car brings it back to the forefront the moment the key is turned and it burbles into life.
Having been driven from Ireland to London while maintaining a steady temperature and stable idle, the vendor reports that this is still a smooth, very impressive runner - ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper, who we're sure will find it a very rewarding, high-quality classic.
BEFORE YOU BUY

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