Mercedes-Benz W111 280 SE 3.5 Coupé (1971)
With only 28.325 (confirmed) kilometres from new, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz W111 280 SE 3.5 Coupé, with the rare manual transmission, is one of the best examples of this iconic car.
The 280 SE 3.5 Coupé was the ultimate version of the W111 range and was first introduced in 1970. Its updated design with new bumpers and a low grille gave it its nickname flachkühler. Fitted with the brand new M116 3,5-litre fuel injected V8, producing 200 hp at 5.800 rpm, it was capable of an amazing top speed of 210 km/h and a 0-100 km/h-time of around 9 seconds.
These gorgeous coupés are a typical example of well thought-out German engineering and were hand built till production stopped in July 1971. In total, 3.270 examples were built, of which the fast majority were fitted with the four-speed automatic transmission. The combination of style, handcrafted German engineering and V8-power makes it one of the most sought after German cars from this era.
History
This very low mileage car was originally bought in 1971 by the Belgian engineer-architect and war hero Hugo van Kuyck. Not only well known as one of the leading modernist architects in pre- and post-war Antwerp and Brussel, but also for his vital role in preparing the landings on Omaha Beach on D-Day.
In 1971, being 69 years of age, he bought himself this black Mercedes-Benz W111 280 SE 3.5 Coupé with tan leather interior and manual transmission. Because he frequently visited France, he outfitted the car with the classic yellow front lights. Unfortunately, he could only enjoy it for a few years before falling ill in 1973, when the car, with around 20.000 km on the speedo, was put into storage. After Van Kuyck passed away in 1975, the Coupé was (almost) forgotten.
Documents accompanying the car show that in 2012 it was brought out of storage and underwent an examination at a local garage. In 2013 it was bought by a classic car dealer, who did some technical work on the car, that had been standing still for over forty years. At that time the car was also fully resprayed. It was then sold to a Dutch owner who finished the technical work. Re-arranging his car collection, he now decided to sell this car, which is in immaculate condition.
Driving this 280 SE 3.5 Coupé is a true treat for the car enthusiast. Sitting in extremely comfortable leather seats, looking out over one of the most beautiful dashboards ever produced by Mercedes and hearing that 3,5-litre fuel injected V8 purr; it does not get any better than this.
For more information about this unique car, please contact us.
Specifications
Matching numbers with only 28.325 km
Manual gearbox
Completely original interior
Blaupunkt stereo
Only two owners
Additional information
Date of production: 13 April 1971 (delivered to Belgium)
Colour: Noir
Interior: Tan leather
Chassis nr. 111.026-10-003919
Engine nr. 116.980-10-000662
Body nr. 70250
Price: on request