Description
The line of Mercedes W111 Coupés occupies a special place in the marque’s history. Introduced in 1961, it was conceived as the refined, elegant and more exclusive version of the big “Heckflosse” saloons. While those are still famous for their rear fins, the coupés — and cabriolets — quickly adopted a more timeless approach: a completely redesigned body, lower lines, elongated proportions, and stripped of stylistic extravagance to reach an almost classic purity. Signed by Paul Bracq, they were assembled with near-craftsmanlike care: each bodywork required many hours of hands-on adjustment, far beyond the production standards of a saloon. This blend of understated luxury, exemplary finishing and restrained styling made the W111 coupés a symbol of European high-end motoring in the 1960s.
It was against this backdrop that the Mercedes 280 SE 3. 5 Coupé appeared in 1969. It represented the ultimate development of this family: the pinnacle of Mercedes know-how before an era shift. The line remained unchanged in its essence — a roof without a central pillar, generous glass surfaces, a long bonnet, and a perfect balance between elegance and robustness — but the introduction of the V8 fundamentally changed the character of the car. The 280 SE 3. 5 Coupé was no longer just a great luxurious coupé; it also became a machine capable of modern performance and an ease of use previously unknown.
It is also an exceptionally rare model. Across its production period, from 1969 to 1971, only 3, 270 examples of the 280 SE 3. 5 coupé were built, which greatly contributes to its status today as a sought-after icon.
The 3. 5-litre V8 M116 engine marked a technological breakthrough for Mercedes. Compact, fully in light alloy, and equipped with Bosch electronic injection (D-Jetronic), it developed around 200 bhp and delivered abundant torque from low engine speeds. The coupé’s character was transformed: stronger acceleration, great flexibility, remarkable silence, and the ability to sustain high cruising speeds with sovereign comfort. This V8 launched a lineage that would shape Mercedes for decades, but it found its first most noble and elegant expression in the W111.
The 280 SE 3. 5 Coupé therefore brings together two legacies: that of a timeless design shaped by hand, and that of a mechanical innovation ushering in a new era. It is precisely this meeting of tradition and modernity that still explains the fascination this model generates today.
This 280 SE is a European (Belgian) 3. 5L V8 version, automatic with four gears, fitted with an original factory sunroof.
Its history is truly exceptional: delivered new in Mons, Belgium on 23/ 3/ 1970 to Mrs Capiaux, she kept it until 2005, covering only 40, 067 km in total. The second owner and last owner covered just 4, 600 km up to today. The car therefore totals today only 46, 409 km, certified by a service booklet and an up-to-date carpass.
The service booklet has been completed from the car’s original date up to 2011 by the Mercedes Barbaix dealership, then the Mercedes Proot garage in Binche.
The car is in perfect original condition and has covered very few miles, but nevertheless it has undergone a few restorations:
1984 – Certified Dinitrol treatment
2003 – 35, 000 km: restoration of the front end (brakes, dampers, bushes)
2004 – 37, 000 km: new complete exhaust system
2005 – 39, 000 km: wheel bearings
2011 – 40, 501 km: last service within the Mercedes network
2015 – 46, 031 km: distributor service by Bosch, replacement of all relays and wiring, new spark plug leads. New water and oil radiator
2020 – 46, 100 km: rear axle service, new heater hoses
2025 – 46, 400 km: last full service, D-Jetronic and injector revision
It comes with all its original onboard documents and original handbooks. It drives perfectly.
In summary:
Belgian car delivered new in Mons in 1970
2 owners
Only 46, 500 km
Certified mileage
Service booklet completed up to 40, 501 km
In very beautiful original condition
Runs perfectly
