The late 1960s and early 1970s were a defining era for Mercedes-Benz, when the company’s sophisticated styling and superb engineering standards started to attract a new generation of affluent buyers. The comparable SEL saloon was built with a newly designed body shell, however the coupé and cabriolet kept the coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220 SE. The 280 SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this much-admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line top-quality classics are highly sought after by discerning collectors worldwide.

The 3.5-liter version of the 280 SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s. The ultra-luxurious 280 SE coupé, cabriolet and 300 SEL saloon models were chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its splendid new 3.5-litre V-8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced a torquey 200 bhp, courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorized ignition. Thus equipped, the 280 SE 3.5 was good for cruising speeds near 200 km/h, with 96 km/h reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version’s figures.

This handsome 280 SE 3.5 has been the subject of caring stewardship and restoration, presenting superbly in silver with a contrasting and sumptuous dark brown leather interior. An attractive list of features and optional equipment on this car include air conditioning, power windows, a Becker Europa radio, individual front seats, an automatic antenna and fog lamps, as well as the highly desirable electric sunroof option. A pleasure to drive, this impressive coupé is a great way to experience the legendary, opulent and powerful 280 SE 3.5, a model carrying the distinction of being one of the marque’s most highly prized models of its generation.