The elegant and chic W111 stood as the flagship production model for Mercedes-Benz from the 1960s through the early 1970s. Originally available in both two- and four-door versions, the four-seat coupes and cabriolets surpassed their sedan counterparts in longevity, thanks to designer Paul Bracq’s enduring and sophisticated styling.
Designed and finished to exacting standards at the renowned Sindelfingen factory, utilizing the finest materials and fittings, the W111 offered a level of quality, luxury, and style comparable to much more expensive automobiles such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. It maintained the refinement and engineering excellence expected by Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
In the fall of 1969, Mercedes-Benz introduced a completely new engine to breathe new life into the W111 series. The compact M116 V8 engine, featuring alloy heads and Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, provided a significant performance boost, particularly at highway speeds. Teamed with a four-speed automatic gearbox, potent disc brakes, and suspension finely tuned to balance comfort and grip, the 280SE 3.5 delivered a driving experience that outshone many of its contemporaries.
Source: Bonhams Cars
