Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe

VIN – 11102612004445
Eng. No. – 116980-12-006025
Exterior Color – Cream
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 3.5 Liter V8
Transmission – 4 -Speed automatic
Current Miles – 68,182 miles TMU

Highlights of This Car

-37 years of current California ownership
-Optioned with BEHR air conditioning
-Matching numbers Metric Motors engine rebuild 2018
-Console Shift, power windows, power steering
-Becker Europa AM/FM radio and automatic antenna

General Overview

Offering decades of ground-breaking design, superlative performance, and luxurious interiors, Mercedes-Benz continues to astound collectors and enthusiasts with their remarkable achievements in new cars combined with classic support for their vintage cars. Decades of racing and luxury refinement from the 50s and 60s seamlessly grew into a prolific 1970s US market bringing exciting models to new and dedicated customers. Introduced in 1970, the 280SE was a fresh and handsome design. Offered in both coupe and convertible designs, the 280SE was immediately appealing to customers seeking quality workmanship and bespoke accessories in a capable and elegant package.

Designed with a clean and unified grille, the upgraded engine was brimming with capabilities fueled by a Bosch fuel-injected 3.5 Liter V8 engine, designed to deliver both reliable and brisk performance. Technical details included 4-wheel disc brakes, comfortable handling (attributed to its coil-sprung independent suspension), and numerous convenience options. Today these highly sought-after coupes are a welcome offering to collectors seeking motoring pleasure, comfort, and prestige all delivered in a delightful touring car.

History and Build Details of This Car

According to a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Data Card, this car was completed November 19, 1971. The car verifies the original engine which remains in the car today. The data tag affixed to the radiator cross bar structure under the hood, this car was assembled at the factory with the following options.

531 – Automatic antenna
566 – Seat height adjustment both front seats
249 – Electrically heated rear window
420 – Floor Shift Automatic Transmission
491 – US version
503 – Left outside rear-view mirror
513 – Becker Europa radio

According to the current owner, this car was purchased from the original owner in 1988. The car had been delivered to the first owner, a resident of California , eventually joining the current Northern California based family as part of a notable collection of European and American cars keeping company with numerous Mercedes-Benz classics, all of which were regularly driven and serviced by in house mechanics who maintained these cars to high standards. A handwritten series of service documents accompanying this car begins with notations in 1992 continuing through 2022 with service information including oil changes, air filter changes, transmission fluid and gasket changes, new fuel pump, water pump, starter, new coil, front shocks, new windshield, brake pads, new injectors, oil cooler replaced, new seals, new plugs, rotor, cap, AC charge etc.

Recent services over the past five years include:

2018 – Metric Motors engine rebuild using the original block including new pistons, rings, bearings, oil pump, chains, rails, valves, lifters, tensioner, and water pump.

2019 – New air compressor, new condenser, new horn, rear shocks, rear brake pads, replace intake manifold gaskets, and new gas line clamps.

2021 – Mount new brake pedal, new master cylinder and reservoir, new tires, and charge AC system.

2022 – with 67,300 miles noted, oil and filter change and new battery. At this time, the notes indicate the car was driven 67.9 miles.

The owner reports that this car is a factory built 3.5L coupe. In 2018 Metric Motors rebuilt the original engine and the transmission was also rebuilt at the same time by Peter Schmid Transmission Burlingame, CA, specialists in Mercedes-Benz transmissions. The owner also reports that electronic ignition has been recently installed, and the control arm bushings have been replaced.

Condition Overview

Today this 280SE 3.5 presents in excellent condition with smooth paint and handsome cosmetics throughout. The paint was applied with care to all inner surfaces, edges, corners, and trim. The doors open smoothly and shut with a definitive German engineering “snap”, while the hood and trunk show excellent closures and panel gaps. The chrome appears in very good condition, showing only light patina in small areas when viewed up close. Both front and rear bumper rubber show no excessive marks or warpage. Of particular note is the very nicely finished and impeccably detailed grille. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in excellent condition with no significant marks on the windshield (replaced in 2000). The factory wheel covers are properly finished in matching body color cream mounted to correct factory steel wheels. A set of Michelin Defender 195/70 R14 radial tires were installed in 2021. The elegant exterior, contrasted with the black leather interior creates a stately presence, enhanced by the hardtop lines particularly when all side glass is lowered, and panoramic views of the interior invite you inside.

The interior is beautifully finished in what appears to be the original factory black leather. The seats are in excellent condition considering the age, with just light fading to the driver’s side left bolster seat piping, compression to the center console pad from arm-resting, and typical aging to the front seat backs. Virtually every aspect of the interior displays excellent fit and finish with excellent detailing on the chrome instrument bezels, AM/FM Becker Europa radio, air conditioning vents, and richly toned wood veneer. The rear seating surfaces are in excellent condition, the door panels are smooth and consistent, and the chocolate brown carpeting is also in very nice condition. A Nardi steering wheel is beautifully presented as a nice upgrade (the original steering wheel is included as a spare), fronting excellent instrumentation, crisp numeric indication on the gauges, excellent dash padding, and a very nice headliner. Additionally, this 280SE 3.5 features the desirable floor shift automatic transmission and wonderful factory A/C which is mounted into the center console just as it left the factory. The trunk is properly finished with correct materials, spare tire, a factory jack, and a correct fluted grey rubber trunk mat.

Under the hood, the engine compartment and impressive matching numbers V8 engine have been properly maintained and finished with correct factory finishes and factory hardware. Clearly serviced by professionals who pay close attention to correct Mercedes-Benz parts and service guidelines, the engine appears very well prepared and dutifully serviced.

The car starts and runs quite well with no smoke at the tailpipe, delivers cold air conditioning through the adjustable vents when activated, and offers smooth shifting from the 4-speed automatic transmission. Driving manners are stately if not surprisingly advanced due to the disc brakes and refined suspension. Mechanically the car performs as one might expect, offering progressive power delivery, leisurely touring, smooth shifting, and solid braking. The undercarriage and chassis components are well maintained, clean and properly presented, with no evidence of structural compromises to the floor, suspension, or suspension attachment points.

Presented in elegant colors, this Mercedes-Benz 280SE is a handsome, sophisticated, and refined touring car offering prestige and distinction in a delightfully drivable package. Offering comfort for four passengers, a spacious trunk for weekend luggage and golf clubs, and an open hardtop design, this Mercedes-Benz is ready for tours, club events, or enjoyable weekend getaways.

Items Included with the Car

This 280SE is offered with a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card, factory owner’s manual, a factory owner’s manual, Becker radio operations manual and Becker literature, tools and tool roll, jack, a car cover, and the original black steering wheel.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608