1971 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

280SE 3.5 Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

11102612003213

Clear

Gasoline

BackgroundOne of the most esoteric post-war Mercedes automobiles is the 280SE 3.5 W111 model. This series was the last hand-built motorcar made by Mercedes Benz, yet featured its first passenger vehicle V8 Engine (called the Engine of Tomorrow). Built for a period of less than two years, from August 1969 to July 1971, fewer than 500 of these low grille V-8 Coupés were sold in this country. Carrying a whopping MSRP of$14,509.00 more than thirty years ago, this should come as no surprise. Squarely placed in Rolls Royce Corniche territory, those who could afford the best were fortunate if they could even obtain a 3.5 from their local Mercedes Benz dealer, such was the exclusivity of this amazing motorcar. Vehicle HistoryThis 'Opera Coupe' has been a California Car all of its life. Completed in November 1970 and delivered to W.I. Simonson Mercedes Benz of Santa Monica, this vehicle was purchased on December 31, 1970 by a Los Angeles company. Used as the driving vehicle for their then President, the vehicle was driven by him at least until 1978, but remained in the company's ownership after that. At one point, the vehicle was stored for at least twelve (12) years.In 2000, a Northridge, California resident received the vehicle and then began a restoration effort; performing most of the work himself. He replaced most of the fuel and brake systems, replaced most of the corroded portions of the vehicle, and had it repainted to brilliant silver from it original tobacco brown. The interior was also completely replaced. Despite this work, the car was still not complete by 2002. Thus the gentleman never had the ownership officially transferred to him and the car re-registered with the State of California.In June of 2002, I purchased the vehicle from the company via the gentleman. The vehicle spent two years in Berkeley before being moved with the family to Monrovia, California. Over the last nine (9) years, I had the vehicle serviced and made roadworthy by Silver Star Auto Service of San Francisco, MBZ Motors of Winnetka, and Classic German Motors of Pasadena. Remaining bodywork was performed by the award winning Euro-Collision Body Shop of Pasadena.Intended as a very presentable Daily Driver, I drive the vehicle typically two to three times a month. As a Mercedes Benz Club of America member, I drive the vehicle to all the local events I attend. I have also shown it at three local car shows; where it has won an award once. Condition The vehicle drives like a modern car, with no notable shakes or rattles. Though cosmetically refreshed, it is still a fairly original vehicle. I regularly drive the vehicle at freeway speeds with no hint of strain or difficulty. The car rides on michelins (they still have their nubs on the sidewalls) and bilstein shocks. In the last two years, I have replaced the power steering box and brake booster, and had the Transmission rebuilt (all big-ticket items). The numbers-matching engine is still very strong and will still jump from a standing start; although my mechanic has told me that the valves will need work within the next year or so. Right now, there is no engine hesitation, weakness or missing.The body is very straight, with most of the chrome redone or replaced. There is some rash on the lower rear bumper, and the front windshield and its stainless surround are original (i.e. they do show a little wear, but have no cracks or divots). The unique deep teal-over-silver paint is still brilliant, though starting to show its 10-year age (four very light scratches and two chips in the crease of the doors).All instrumentation and electrical work as they should. However, the odometer stopped shortly after I purchased the vehicle. At 74,392 miles, the maintenance book indicates that it could have been the original mileage at the time, but I cannot be positive. By my calculation, I have driven it approximately 5,500 miles since purchased nine years ago. I also installed a Nakamichi Stereo/Cassette/5-Disk CD System; hidden in the glovebox so as not to disturb the original look of the dashboard. The Becker Mexico radio was still working at the time of conversion.To summarize:MECHANICAL - Starts right up and warms up as it should. No idle issues, overheating, or smoke. Shortly after I purchased it, I installed an Allison Breakerless ignition system (never needs adjustment again), a new air mass sensor, vacuum advance, fuel pump, brake master cylinder, and valve cover gaskets. A/C blows ice cold.BODY - I've never found any evidence of a collision. Previous 'holder' had the rear tire buckets cut-out and replaced with new steel. To the rear of the back wheel-wells, this area is notorious for seeing rust in W111's. Car had some cancer on the passenger side rear wheel lip that I had cut and replaced with steel 3 years ago. Roof paint cracked and I had the entire roof stripped down to the bare metal (there was some rust); resealed with a polyurethane primer coat; and then repainted in the current color. It was a $3,000 job, but it ensured that it should never happen again. The undercarriage is not clean, but it is complete. There is no damage to the rustproofing, and there is no evidence of rust. All hangers and bushings are in place. In 2002, I had the emergency brake cord guide under the driver-side floorboard re-welded with a new metal plate to remove the beginnings of rust there.INTERIOR / OPTIONS / TRIM - Despite the column shift gear selector window above the column, the car IS an original floor shift model (verified by the MBZ Zertifikat). The previous holder replaced the original wood-trim with zebrano from a column-shift model. He blacked-out the gear letters behind the glass, so it just looks like a simple chrome trim piece. In 2002, I had the entire sunroof mechanism rebuilt; it slides fine with no hint of problem. The Nakamichi system was also installed that same year. All trim pieces are in place. All window rubber was replaced by previous holder; it's very tight. I replaced the trunk seal and even replaced the rubber grille buffers and trunk drain grommets. All chrome trim is in place.WEAKNESSES? - See earlier description. I have tried to give an honest assessment here so that there are no surprises. The car is truly a wonderful Driver, and therefore not perfect. I would judge the vehicle a borderline 2-/3+, with a Collectability Rating of B; based upon the two-year only 3.5-Liter V8 Engine and the still-rarer combination of a Floor-Shift Automatic and Factory Sunroof.I have invested much more than my reserve in this vehicle, but it has been a labor of love. The car has never left me stranded and always gets second looks when out and about. I hope all of this info gives you comfort that you are buying a well-sorted car. This AuctionThis is a one-time only auction. I have placed a very reasonable reserve on it (please don't ask), but if it does not sell, then back in the garage she goes.This is an "As-Is" sale, with no warranties given or implied. Thank you for looking! Good Luck and Bid to Buy!