1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe
1 of 150 originally supplied in right-hand drive specification

Registration No: WPD 270G
Chassis No: 11102422001339
MOT: Exempt

• Full body and mechanical overhaul performed prior to vendor's ownership
• Rare and desirable UK-supplied, right-hand drive example
• Desirable 2778cc W111 variant

Introduced in mid-1959, the Mercedes-Benz W111 series was a natural progression from the 220 Pontoon. The new models were bigger inside and out and sported a greater abundance of brightwork; not to mention the finned rear wings which spawned the model's 'Fintail' nickname. In addition to the four-door Saloon, the range comprised an elegant two-door Cabriolet and Coupe designed by Paul Bracq. The cars were very well-appointed inside, being adorned with Mercedes textured leather and wood trimmings. The fully-independent suspension comprised of wishbones and coil springs at the front and low-pivot swing-axles with radius arms and coil springs at the rear, the ride from which was very statesman-like.

Originally the W111 Coupé was launched as the 220SE in late 1960, appointed with a straight-six 2,195cc engine and 160km/h top speed. This was followed in 1965 by the 250SE and then in November 1967, the 250 SE was superseded by the 280SE. It was powered by the new 2,778cc M130 engine, which produced 160hp (119kW) at 5500rpm. Top speed was hardly affected, but acceleration from 0-100km/h (62mph) improved to 10.5 seconds. Inside, the car received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and other minor changes, including door lock buttons and different heater levers. Despite its smaller engine, the 280SE could outperform the early 1950s M189 powered 300 SE, resulting in the more expensive model's retirement. In all, 3,797 examples of the 280SE Coupé were manufactured of which 150 were right-hand drive.

Understood to have originally been supplied to the UK market on 25th November 1968, chassis 11102422001339 was originally supplied as a right-hand drive 280SE Coupé with a factory sunroof and automatic transmission. Little is known of the early history of the car, however, the vendor advises that the car was reputedly parked up in dry storage for a long period of time before being acquired by the previous owner who set about a full cosmetic and mechanical overhaul of the car. It is understood that the car was an overall very solid example with the only panels that required replacement being the two front wings with genuine Mercedes-Benz new-old-stock items. The car was refinished in Anthracite Grey Metallic and most of the original interior was pleasingly kept intact that it retains today. The wooden dashboard was given the treatment by a Bentley and Rolls Royce specialist which is evident by the quality of the workmanship. The vendor acquired the car in 2015 and has kept it in tip-top condition with regular servicing, turning heads at every show he has attended and only driving the car if the weather is going to stay dry. The vendor advises he has replaced some chrome parts but only with the best genuine Mercedes-Benz ones he can find.

The vendor describes the car as an all round 'good to very good', however on our inspection we found it very hard to find issues with the car apart from the most minimal amount of micro-blistering on the curve towards the wings on the bonnet panel and the need for some leather feed on those beautiful original seats. If you are looking for an attractive 1960s, top of the range saloon with all of the allure of German level build quality, this rare car would certainly look at home in any collectors' garage.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430