Description
In March 1962, Mercedes-Benz released the exclusive two-door M189-powered 300SE. Like the 300 saloon, it was based on the W111 chassis but shared both Daimler's top-range 2996 cm3 fuel-injected engine and the unique W112 chassis designation, efforts on Mercedes' part to distance it from the maker's modest W110 and W111 lineups and link it to the prestigious W188 300S two-door luxury sports tourer. It was distinguished by a chrome strip, and featured air suspension and a higher level of interior trim and finish. Prices were 45, 000 and 48, 500 for the hard and soft roofs respectively.
In summer of 1965 Mercedes-Benz launched replacements for both W111 and W112 saloons, the W108 and W109 respectively. With the tailfin fashion well eroded by the mid 1960s, the new design was based on the restrained W111 coupé, widened and squared off. Work on a future new chassis that would fully replace the Ponton-derived W111/ W112 and W108/ W109 was well under way. With a concept car of the first S-Class was shown in 1967,[citation needed] Daimler declined to develop a two-door W108/ W109 vehicle, instead continuing production of the aging W111/ W112 with modest changes. The 220SE was superseded in early autumn 1965 by the 250SE, which featured the new 2496 cm3 M129 engine. Producing 150 hp (112 kW) at 5500 rpm, it gave the vehicle a significant improvement in top speed, 193 km/ h (120 mph) (188 km/ h (117 mph) with automatic transmission), and 0–100 km/ h (62 mph) acceleration time of 12 seconds (14 with automatic transmission). Visible changes include new 14-inch wheels, which came with new hub cabs and beauty rings accommodating the larger disc brakes and new rear axle from the W108 family.
Since the W108 and W109 were only available as 4-door models, 2-door W111 and W112 coupés and cabriolets like this 1969 280SE are frequently mistaken for them
In November 1967 the 250 SE was superseded by the 280 SE. It was powered by the new 2778 cc M130 engine, which produced 160 hp (119 kW) at 5500 rpm. Top speed was hardly affected, but acceleration from 0-100 km/ h (62 mph) improved to 10. 5 seconds (13 with automatic transmission). Inside, the car received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and other minor changes, including door lock buttons and different heater levers. The hubcaps were changed yet again to a new one piece wheelcover, and the exterior mirror was changed.
Despite its smaller engine, the 280 SE could outperform the early 1950s M189 powered 300 SE, resulting in the more expensive model's retirement.
Here we have the 280 SE Werkscabrio in green metallic with the most beautiful black leather interior and the pallisander wood facia. There is also a Behr airconditioning installed in the car. This mercedes drives very well and also brakes, steers and shift gears good. The interior gives you the good feeling of a super car. It is also a four seater which gives you the opportunity to travel with four people. This is a very fine automobile in the finest color for the real car enthusiast !
