Beschreibung:

3,499cc SOHC V8 Engine Bosch Fuel Injection 200bhp at 5,800rpm 4-Speed Automatic Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *Top-of-the-line, hand-built Mercedes-Benz *Highly original example with less than 42,500 miles from new *Single original ownership of over 40 years *Awarded with "Silver Star Certificate" by the Mercedes-Benz Club THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE 3.5 "If you feel obligated to ask about the price you not only will never understand the car, you have branded yourself incapable of ever appreciating its virtues even if someone gave you one." - Car & Driver on the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5. The 3.5-liter version of the 280SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s. The ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupe, Cabriolet and 300SEL saloon models were chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-liter V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced a torquey 200bhp, courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorized ignition. Thus equipped, the 280SE 3.5 was good for cruising speeds up near 125mph, with 60mph reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures. Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the "New Generation" body-shell, the Coupe and Cabriolet kept the coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, came standard equipped with automatic transmissions, air conditioning, power windows, and stereo radio. The 280SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this much-admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line top quality classics are highly sought after by discerning collectors. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED Presented before you is an outstanding and highly original Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe. Completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz plant in April of 1971, the luxurious motorcar was initially procured by a gentleman in the state of Washington, with whom the car spent the majority of its life. When the owner unfortunately passed, the car was sold off with the rest of the estate in 2015. MB Classics in Costa Mesa, California would be the next caretaker and go on to detail the cosmetics and service the mechanicals. Later, the car received its first and only re-paint to the factory correct original color of Dark Red. Inside, the original rich Cognac leather hides adorn the interior and greatly contribute to the traditional Mercedes-Benz sense of luxury. Remarkably, the glass, chrome, interior, wood, and the mechanical components are all original. In 2017, the Mercedes-Benz was further refurbished when a new radiator core was installed alongside other mechanical servicing and some cosmetic touchups. Unsurprisingly, the vehicle was awarded the "Silver Star Certificate" by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and is destined to win further awards and prizes in the future for the superb original and preserved condition it is in. Less than 42,500 miles appear on the odometer and provides solid evidence to the limited use and well cared for condition of the vehicle. By possessing a suite of creature comforts, a powerful V8 engine under the hood, and restrained Teutonic styling combined with the quality that comes from low production figures and hand-built construction, the 3.5-liter 280SE is truly a tour de force of classic motoring. A superlative example such as this fitted with the desirable floor mounted shift lever is ready for dual purpose Sunday driving and show presentation. Look no further for one of the best Benz's on the road.