• One of only 2,430 W111-platform Coupés produced for 1970 with the desirable 3.5-litre V-8 engine
• Equipped with rare, four-speed, manual transmission
• Believed to have been owned by his excellency André Gadaud, French ambassador to Spain and Switzerland
• Nicely equipped with Behr air conditioner, Becker Grand Prix radio, rear speaker, and a sunroof

Please note this lot has entered the EU on a temporary import bond, which must be cancelled either by exporting the lot outside of the EU on an approved Bill of Lading with supporting customs documentation or by paying the applicable VAT and import duties to have the lot remain in the EU.

Veuillez noter que ce lot a été introduit dans l'UE avec un cautionnement d'importation temporaire, qui devra être soldé par réexportation hors de l'UE avec un connaissement (bon de chargement) accompagné de ses documents douaniers, ou par paiement de la TVA et des droits de douane applicables s'il doit demeurer dans l'UE.

This stylish Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé is one of the most desirable variants of the model, benefitting from both the striking two-door body style, and the fuel-injected 3.5-litre V-8 engine that was introduced in 1969. Just 2,430 machines rolled off the production line so specified, with even fewer featuring the four-speed manual transmission found in this example.

Finished in Bronzebraun with a Dark Maroon roof over beige leather, documents on file detail the car’s import to France by Royal Elysees S.A., exclusive importer of Daimler-Benz products. According to the accompanying service book, this special Mercedes-Benz was delivered to Mr. Philippe Agnus through the marque’s dealership in Boulogne-sur-Seine on 18 June 1970, boasting a number of desirable features including a factory rear-glass heater, a rear loudspeaker package, Becker Grand Prix radio, Behr air conditioning, a limited slip differential, and a sunroof.

It is believed that this handsome 280 SE Coupé entered the care of his excellency André Gadaud in 1993, a former French consul general based in New York who would become French ambassador to Madrid and later Switzerland. The car was eventually sold in 2016 and was relinquished by its most recent private owner in 2021, before which an invoice details maintenance including an oil and filter change, brake fluid refresh, and balancing of the wheels. Further repair work was carried out in 2022, including replacement of the exhaust system, and extensive rust repairs to the underbody and rear wing, with a corresponding invoice for CHF 9,759.55 from Carrosserie Services Sàrl in Switzerland.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.