The name Mercedes-Benz has become synonymous with expertly crafted luxury vehicles since its inception in 1926. The Benz portion of the name dates back to 1886 when Karl Benz invented the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, while the Mercedes portion comes from Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft’s Mercedes brand name of cars, the first of which was produced in 1900. The two companies merged in 1926 to become Daimler-Benz AG and began producing vehicles under the name of Mercedes-Benz. In February of 2021, Daimler adopted the name of its flagship marque, Mercedes-Benz, while its heavy commercial vehicles division was split off into its own company named Daimler Truck.

Chasing the tale of the earlier 220SE, Mercedes-Benz set out to create their new two-door coupe and cabriolet. Initially, using the time-tested overhead-cam straight-six in various sizes up to 2,996 cubic centimeters presented under the monikers of 250S, 250SE, and 300SE. A 2,778 cubic centimeter M13 engine in 1967 gave rise to 280S and 280SE model designations.

Mercedes-Benz produced the 280 SE from 1969 to 1972 as a personal luxury car with a definite sporting edge. Equipped with Bosch electronic fuel injection and the overhead-camshaft Mercedes 3.5-liter V8 ( Now the first Mercedes Post-War to have an engine bigger than 3 liters), which only weighed 55 pounds more than its 6-cylinder counterpart, both the coupe and the convertible were destined to be distinctive. A lower, wider grille was incorporated as one of several changes made to modernize the aging design. The facelifted model is often referred to by the Germans as the “flachkühler.” Despite popular belief, the new grill was not a side-effect of enlarging the engine compartment to accommodate the V8. Front and rear bumpers were also modified with rubber rub strips, and the rear lenses were changed to a flatter, cleaner design. 

Standard equipment included a leather interior, rosewood fascia, air conditioning, radio, and automatic transmission. The relatively high price tag of $14,000 reflected the quality and expense of producing the car. For example, all the trim was chrome-covered brass, and the rosewood interiors were carefully matched and fitted with hundreds of tiny screws. As a testament to the quality and craftsmanship imparted on each example produced, the very hyper-efficient Daimler-Benz factory could only produce 13 cars per week due to the time required to finish each one correctly. Over the four-year production run, just 3,270 examples of the 280SE coupe were produced. 

Today, the 280SE stands as a testament to a time when cars were still lovingly hand-finished and craftsmanship reigned supreme. Their interior, while spartan by today’s standards, exudes the luxury fitment and finish that buyers have come to expect from the MB brand. Pricing for quality examples has seen a nice linear uptrend throughout the past five years, bolstered by its much more expensive brethren, the 280SE Convertible. Collectors have continued to flock to the 280SE lineup thanks in large part to its fantastic usability and timeless elegance. The powerful V-8 engine allows for easy modern-day motoring while the spacious and luxurious interior provides a comfortable and highly usable classic. Future pricing on quality examples should remain strong and steady. However, there are many examples of “rushed restorations” in the market, and finding one that has been restored properly and kept well is key to retaining future value. 

The chassis on offer here,  #11102612001401, is a matching numbers example and is finished in Medium Blue over Bamboo leather interior with brown carpets. Although it has been repainted, it retains its factory specifications and presents well as a great driver quality example. This example has benefited from an interior refurbishment, which is immediately evident when stepping into the car. All the finishes look great, and the leather around the dashboard and on the seats is supple and fresh. 

Thanks to the included copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card, we know the car left the Mercedes-Benz factory well-equipped with individual front seats, a sliding roof, a radio antenna, and a floor-shift automatic transmission. Other additional equipment that was optioned is a VDO dash clock, Becker Europa radio, and A/C. 

As it sits today, this 280SE Coupe presents well and shows no needs if one were looking for a driver. It is ready for immediate enjoyment. It is equipped with the most desirable specifications; “sunroof, floor shift, and factory A/C,” and is beautifully finished in the fantastic colorway of Medium Blue Metallic over a delightful Bamboo Leather interior. Thanks to its careful care over the years and well-done cosmetic refreshment, this fantastic example would be just as at home in a Mercedes-centric collection as it would be a beautiful, useable classic for warm sunny day motoring. 

Included with the sale of this vehicle are the factory spare, jack, tool kit, original first aid kit, the original radio, and a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Data card. 

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