Description
The lineage of the Mercedes W111 coupes holds a special place in the marque’s history. Appearing in 1961, it was conceived as the refined, elegant and more exclusive version of the large “Heckflosse” sedans. If the latter are famous for their rear fins, the coupes — and convertibles — immediately adopted a more timeless approach: a completely redesigned bodyshell, lower lines, elongated proportions, freed from stylistic extravagances to achieve an almost classical purity. Signed by Paul Bracq, they were assembled with an almost artisanal care: each bodyshell required many hours of manual adjustment, far above the production standards of a saloon. This combination of discreet luxury, exemplary finish and sober styling made the W111 coupes a symbol of European high-end motoring in the 1960s.
It is in this context 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 — pillarless hardtop, generous glass areas, long bonnet, 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 merely a large luxurious coupé; it also became a machine capable of modern performance and ease hitherto unknown.
It is also a very rare model. Across its production run, from 1969 to 1971, only 3, 270 examples of the 280 SE 3. 5 coupé were built, which greatly contributes to its current status as a sought-after icon.
The 3. 5-litre M116 V8 marks a technological break for Mercedes. Compact, all-aluminium and equipped with Bosch D‑Jetronic electronic fuel injection, it developed around 200 horsepower and offered abundant torque from low revs. The coupé’s character was transformed: crisper acceleration, great flexibility, remarkable silence and the ability to maintain high cruising speeds in sovereign comfort. This V8 inaugurated a lineage that would shape Mercedes for decades, but it found its most noble and elegant first expression in the W111.
The 280 SE 3. 5 Coupé thus represents the sum of two heritages: that of a timeless, hand-crafted design, and that of a mechanical innovation that opens a new era. It is precisely this meeting of tradition and modernity that still explains the fascination this model commands today.
This 280 SE is a European (Belgian) V8 3. 5L, automatic with 4 gears, equipped with an original sunroof.
Its history is quite exceptional: delivered new to Mons in Belgium on 23/ 3/ 1970 to Madame Capiaux, it remained in her ownership until 2005, having completed only 40, 067 km in total. The 2nd and last owner has covered only 4, 600 km to date. It now totals only 46, 409 km, certified by a service book and an up-to-date car passport.
The service book has been completed from its origin up to 2011 by the Mercedes Barbaix dealership and then by the Mercedes Proot dealership in Binche.
The car is in perfect original condition and low mileage, but has nonetheless undergone some restorations:
1984 – Dinitrol treatment certified
2003 – 35, 000 km: front sub-assembly restoration (brakes, shock absorbers, control arms)
2004 – 37, 000 km: new complete exhaust
2005 – 39, 000 km: wheel bearings
2011 – 40, 501 km: last service within the Mercedes network
2015 – 46, 031 km: distributor overhaul by Bosch, replacement of all relays and wiring, new spark plug leads. New radiator for water and oil
2020 – 46, 100 km: rear axle overhaul, new heater hoses
2025 – 46, 400 km: last full service, D-Jetronic and injectors overhauled
It comes with all its original on-board documents and booklets. It runs perfectly.
In summary:
Belgian car delivered new to Mons in 1970
2 owners
Only 46, 500 km
Mileage certified
Service book updated to 40, 501 km
In very beautiful original condition
Fully functional
