280se 3.5 coupe 1971 Mercedes Benz rare, original, low miles, w111 low grill LHD

-3,499cc OHC V8, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection
-197bhp at 5,800rpm
-4-Speed Automatic Transmission
-Front suspension: Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
-Rear suspension: Swing Axle w/Coil Springs
-4-Wheel Disc Brakes

By the end of the 1960's, with BMW rising as a sports-luxury contender, Mercedes-Benz had answered the demand of the automotive press and the general public for a more muscular powerplant in its top-of-the-line saloons. The result was the brand's first dynasty of V8 engines, ranging from an adequate 3.5L to a formidable 6.3L inherited from the prestigious 600 limousine.=

While the W111 “Heckflosse” series, a child of the 1950's with some undoubted American influence —tailfins, curved windshield—, was gradually being replaced by the more modern W108 and W109 saloons, the W111 coupes and cabriolets were left as standalone models until 1971. In addition to the many stylistic and technical refinements present in the Mercedes-Benz lineup of the time, these cars benefited from one of the new V8 powerplants, the M116 —a fuel-injected 3.5L V8. Performance figures were vastly improved: 0 to 100kph in less than ten seconds, and a top speed of over 200kph. By the time of their retirement in 1971, only 3,270 280SE 3.5 coupes and 1,232 cabriolets had left the assembly lines.

THIS PARTICULAR CAR:If you are here, you know what this is, a 280se 3.5. this peach of a car has 83,000 original miles. drives nice and smoothly. starts on the first try, every time. manual windows which operate nicely.doors close smoothly. car has been sitting since 1989. this is a numbers matching car, with proper engine and transmission. this is a two owner vehicle purchase by the second owner in 1982. The car is low in miles and has, to my knowledge always been a California car. this is one of the last truly hand built mercedes benzes. all trim pieces are present. the wood is ready for restoration, i highly recommend madera wood concepts. the interior is complete, and original. brakes are in good condition and the car stops well. it could, however use a set of new tires.I have rebuilt the brake calipers, replaced the master cylinder, hoses and reservoir (I have kept all of the original parts so that a 100% restoration can be completed, if desired.I have collected all of the difficult parts to find for this restoration. the only non original body part that i am aware of is the front right fender. (i also have a headlight on the way) I have sand blasted and coated the fuel tank. replaced the fuel pump (original comes with the car). replaced all rubber hoses coolant hoses, new water pump, new thermostat, all new rubbers on intake manifold, new fuel lines. the car can be driven. new subframe mounts. new battery.door skins are in good condition. seats are in ok condition. rear seats are sun faded.the exterior of the vehicle is complete, as far as trim and chrome is concerned. trim is straight and solid. the vehicle could serve as a driver, however it would be nice to see someone restore the vehicle.the car needs a rear compensator. (these are no longer available through mercedes, however i can source a used one, or better yet i know where you can have it rebuilt for the proper ride)if you have trouble locating anything on this car, i can find it for you, as i have sourced all of the difficult parts to find for this car, you are set for a very easy restoration.I have original data card from mercedes to substantiate original engine and transmission.I reserve the right to sell the vehicle before the the end of the auction.please call me if you have any questions. David 925 357 7669