Description
The lineage of the Mercedes W111 coupes occupies a special place in the brand’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, stripped of stylistic extravagances to achieve a nearly classical purity. Signed by Paul Bracq, they were assembled with almost artisanal care: each bodyshell required many hours of manual adjustment, far exceeding the production standards of a saloon. This combination of discreet luxury, exemplary finish and sober style 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 new era. The line remained essentially unchanged in its essence — pillarless roof, generous glazing, long bonnet, a 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 a level of ease previously 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 heavily contributes to its current status as a sought-after icon.
The 3. 5‑litre V8 M116 engine marks a technological break for Mercedes. Compact, entirely 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: brisker acceleration, great flexibility, remarkable silence and the ability to sustain high cruising speeds in sovereign comfort. This V8 inaugurated 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 thus represents the sum of two legacies: that of timeless hand‑crafted design, and that of mechanical innovation that opens a new era. It is precisely this meeting of tradition and modernity that still explains today the fascination exerted by this model.
This 280 SE is a European (Belgian) 3. 5L V8, automatic with 4 speeds, 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 owner until 2005, having covered only 40, 067 km in total. The second and final owner has added only 4, 600 km to date. It now totals just 46, 409 km, certified by an up-to-date service book and car pass.
The service book is completed from its origin until 2011 by the Mercedes Barbaix workshop and then by the Mercedes Proot workshop in Binche.
The car is in perfect original condition and low mileage, but has nonetheless undergone a few restorations:
1984 – Dinitrol treatment certified
2003 – 35, 000 km: front end restoration (brakes, shock absorbers, bushings)
2004 – 37, 000 km: new full exhaust
2005 – 39, 000 km: wheel bearings
2011 – 40, 501 km: last service in 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 suspension service, new heater hoses
2025 – 46, 400 km: last full service, D‑Jetronic and injectors overhaul
It comes with all its original documents and manuals. It runs perfectly.
In summary:
Belgian car delivered new to Mons in 1970
2 owners
Only 46, 500 km
Mileage certified
Service book filled to 40, 501 km
In very beautiful original condition
Runs perfectly
