1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé
Registration no. EMW 165J
Chassis no. 111026-22-001599
Engine no. 116880-22-001376

The ultra-luxurious 280 SE Coupé/Cabriolet and 300 SEL saloon were chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium-alloy cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced 200bhp courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorised ignition. Thus equipped, the Coupé/Cabriolet was good for 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' bodyshell, the Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220 SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and stereo radio as standard. Significantly, the 280 SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established and much admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors.

This Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé was acquired in 1979 by the current owner, who used it as a second car until the mid-1980s when the mileage total was 97,244. The car was professionally restored in 1991, the rebuild taking over two years to complete. Works undertaken included fitting new a new floor pan and front wings, while the engine and gearbox sent away for reconditioning. The exterior colour was changed from blue to the vendor's choice of metallic burgundy as it presents today. Since completion the car has been kept in the vendor's storage facility. Driven, started and run on special occasions, it has covered only 5,982 miles since the rebuild. Photographs of the restoration are on file. Since restoration, the Mercedes has been serviced on two occasions by marque specialist Roger Edwards (in 2004 and 2012).

This car's original registration was 'EJW 666J', which was replaced by the vendor's private plate ('MBW 3') in 1981. It now carries the age-related registration 'EMW 165J', as the vendor has retained his private plate. Accompanying documentation includes MoTs dating from 1992 to 2022; various bills for general maintenance; a V5C document; and MoT to 20th January 2023. The car also comes with two sets of keys and a handbook.