As a rare sunroof coupe, this 280SE 3.5 showcases both desirable coupe body lines as well as automatic open air accessibility from above, all the while sporting every day, modern reliability with luxury amenities such as Behr air conditioning and a super original full leather interior. This is perhaps the most revered cruising Mercedes model ever built, capable of 135 mph highway travel or leisurely neighborhood touring, a very original and low mileage example of the heralded “3.5”.
Highlights
- Chassis no. 111026-12-000170
- Engine no. 116980-000154
- “Matching numbers”
- 180 G silver-gray metallic paint
- Original dark red leather interior
- Automatic sunroof
- Behr air conditioning
- Becker Europa radio
- M116 V8 engine
- 4-speed automatic
- Original books and tools
- Spare wheel, tire and jack
- 48,151 km (29,920 miles)
1970 280 SE 3.5 Sunroof Coupe History
In August of 1969 the all-new Bosch fuel-injected 3.5 liter V8 engine was fitted to the 280SE – along with a host of luxury options and equipment – to become the “3.5”. The 200 horsepower M116 engine breathed new life in to the W111 for the final three years of production which, for the new “3.5”, lasted from August 1969 to July 1971. This new powerhouse transformed the 280 into one of the finest four-seat grand touring cars ever produced. Today, enthusiasts who own these cars revel in the unparalleled quality, stunning visual presence and unbeatable driving experience this revered Mercedes luxury model has to offer.
Grand Touring cars of this era often veered prominently towards a more sporting design, yet Mercedes-Benz decided to hold to their traditions, imparting the 280SE 3.5 with excessive luxury, powerful road presence and performance ease. The 3.5 liter V8 is a real performer in addition to being a beautiful engine, capable of producing 200 horsepower and delivering seamless power through the rev range, with this particular example retaining its original matching numbers engine. The perfect car for cruising in luxurious leisure, the 3.5 is also capable of 135mph on the highway making it an exhilarating drive experience.
This 1970 280SE 3.5 Sunroof Coupe is well optioned with an a full leather interior, automatic sunroof, fog lights, automatic transmission and Behr air conditioning. As a very early example of the 3.5 coupe, one of only 3,270 coupes produced, it has been repainted once in the original color of DB 180 silver-gray metallic which compliments the quality of the exceptional, all original dark red leather interior and stunning original wood dash. The car was purchased by Dr. L. Philip Lutfy, noted Mercedes-Benz collector of Phoenix, Arizona, in 2014 from a collector of fine Mercedes in Belgium and has since been kept as one of several “at ready” daily drivers in his collection.
The 180 silver-gray metallic exterior presents beautifully with panel fits appearing as, precise and even throughout. The car sports a rare automatic electric sunroof which gives a “best of both worlds” appeal as it retains the preferred body lines of the coupe roof and the open-car characteristic otherwise found on the cabriolet. Similar to the precision displayed throughout the body, the chrome trim is also in excellent condition; from the grille to the windows and headlights to the bumpers, all presents in remarkably nice condition with fit and finish to match. The classic Mercedes hubs are color matched to the body and fitted to steel wheels with blackwall tires.
The interior of this 3.5 is remarkable, a “time warp” original presentation in dark red leather with luxurious original wood on the dash. The original leather upholstery is in as well preserved a condition as we have seen on a car that has just turned 50 years of age, showing only minor signs of age with just the right hints of classic patina, testament to the care the car has received throughout its life. The condition of the interior lends almost irrefutable credence to the 48,151 km’s (29,920 miles) indicated on the odometer, which is believed original. As a Euro market example, the interior seats are headrest delete, the windows roll up manually and the car sports a 4-speed automatic column shift mechanism. The original wood dash is, similar to the interior, impressively well kept with only mild patina while showing no signs of the typical cracking or de-lamination that often occurs on less pampered W111’s. Power steering, power brakes, sunroof and air conditioning all function as they should, as does the Becker Europa radio, rounding out what can only be described as “a trip back in time” once seated in the cabin.
The engine compartment is in a very original condition throughout, with no signs of corrosion or significant wear. Since new, the car has clearly been treated to consistent mechanical attention despite the relative lack of use that the car as seen through its recorded low mileage. The underside of the car is in excellent, largely original condition with obvious signs of mechanical maintenance. The car has a recently installed muffler, new tie rod ends and a recently resealed steering box from maintenance for road use. A fair amount of work has been completed on the drive shaft with a new flex coupler installed, and as is the case elsewhere on the car, original parts and hardware have been saved and cleaned for continued use to maintain the originality of the car. There is a new radiator and oil cooler box, as well as new rear brake cables. The car today runs and drives flawlessly due to consistent maintenance as a daily driver option in Dr. Lutfy’s Mercedes fleet.
As the last of the truly hand-built Mercedes Benz coupes, the W111 280SE 3.5 has special qualities throughout that have earned it the reputation as the standard bearer for 70’s luxury classics. The 3.5’s have long held the position in the Mercedes world as the dividing line car between classic and modern, but beyond that, they are simply outstanding cars to drive. Very few models of any make garner the sort of attention and reputation as has the 280SE 3.5, and none are more deserving of said accolades in the department of era defining quality.
This largely original, incredibly well kept low mileage 3.5 comes with original books, tools, spare and jack, ready for its next owner to enjoy in style. As a rare optioned sunroof coupe it is the epitome of classic luxury, sporting modern reliability with luxury amenities for every day driving including air conditioning and full leather interior. Simply one of the finest Mercedes models ever produced, capable of high speed travel or neighborhood touring. This car is turn-key ready for new ownership and enjoyment.
