Cars

The Mercedes W111 coupé line occupies a special place in the brand’s history. Introduced in 1961, it was conceived as a refined, elegant and more exclusive version of the large “Heckflosse” sedans. While the latter remain famous for their rear fins, the Coupés – and Convertibles – immediately adopted a more timeless approach: a completely redesigned body, with lower lines and elongated proportions, stripped of stylistic extravagance to achieve an almost classic purity. Signed Paul Bracq, they were assembled with almost handcrafted care: each body required many hours of manual adjustment, well above production standards for a sedan. This combination of understated luxury, exemplary finish and understated styling made the W111 Coupés a symbol of European haute automobile in the 60s.

It was against this backdrop that the Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 Coupé appeared in 1969. It represented the ultimate evolution of this family: the pinnacle of Mercedes know-how before a change of era. The line remained unchanged in essence – roof without central pillar, generous glass surfaces, long hood, perfect balance between finesse and robustness – but the arrival of the V8 changed the very nature of the model. The 280 SE 3.5 Coupé was no longer just a large, luxurious coupé; it also became a machine capable of modern performance and unprecedented ease.

It’s also a very rare model. During its entire production run from 1969 to 1971, only 3,270 examples of the 280 SE 3.5 Coupé were built, contributing significantly to its current status as a sought-after icon.

The M116 3.5-liter V8 engine marked a technological breakthrough for Mercedes. Compact, made entirely of light alloy and equipped with Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, it developed around 200 hp and offered abundant torque from low revs. The coupé’s character was transformed: sharper acceleration, great suppleness, remarkable silence and the ability to maintain high cruising speeds in supreme comfort. This V8 inaugurated a line that would shape Mercedes for decades to come, but it was in the W111 that it found its first, noblest and most elegant expression.

The 280 SE 3.5 Coupé thus represents the sum of two heritages: that of timeless, hand-crafted design, and that of mechanical innovation that ushers in a new era. It is precisely this meeting of tradition and modernity that continues to fascinate us to this day.

This 280 SE is a European (Belgian) 3.5L V8, 4-speed automatic, with original sunroof.

Its history is quite exceptional: delivered new in Mons, Belgium, on 23/3/1970 to Madame Capiaux, it remained her owner until 2005, covering a total of only 40,067 km. The 2nd and last owner, who has only driven 4,600 km to date. Today, therefore, the total mileage is just 46,409 km, certified by an up-to-date maintenance booklet and carpass.

The service book is completed from its origin until 2011 by the Mercedes Barbaix garage and then the Mercedes Proot garage in Binche.

The car is in perfect original condition with low mileage, but has nevertheless undergone a few restorations:

• 1984 – Certified Dinitrol treatment
• 2003 – 35,000 km: front-end restoration (brakes, shock absorbers, silent block)
• 2004 – 37,000 km: complete new exhaust system
• 2005 – 39,000 km: wheel bearings
• 2011 – 40,501 km: last service in the Mercedes network
• 2015 – 46,031 km: distributor overhauled by Bosch, all relays and wiring changed, new spark plug wires. New water and oil cooler
• 2020 – 46,100 km: rear axle overhaul, new heater hoses
• 2025 – 46,400 km: last complete service, overhaul of D-Jetronic and injectors

It comes with all its original documents and booklets. She runs perfectly.

In a nutshell:

• Belgian car delivered new to Mons in 1970
• 2 owners
• Only 46,500 km
• Certified mileage
• Service book completed up to 40,501 km
• In very good original condition
• Works perfectly