1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe

Details

Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europe’s car industry was decimated. In Germany, both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!

Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.

In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 Series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers.

In the 1950’s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time – the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive. Mercedes-Benz wanted to build full sized luxury cars that were ‘more affordable’ than the Type W186 and Type W189 300 series cars, so the Ponton range of cars (Type W120/W121/W105/W180/W128) filled that void nicely. In 1959 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W111 as a successor to the very successful Ponton. The Type W111 was built as a sedan, coupe and convertible with many different engine configurations. The sedans were sold in big numbers all over the world, however, as has been the tradition with Mercedes-Benz the two door and convertible cars were built in far smaller numbers and carried a significant price premium. Today these cars are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, yet they remain relatively affordable.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe.

According to the Service Book, the car was delivered new to a Mr Ronald Denby from Cambridge in New Zealand on the 11th November 1969. The car is understood to have been a tourist delivery, supported by the fact the code ‘5’ (European delivery) is stamped on the data plate and one of the options specified for the car was 613, being headlamp unit, asymmetrical for LH traffic. 

The factory data card on file confirms that this factory right hand drive car Mercedes-Benz was ordered new with many highly desirable options, including: electric sun roof (410), power steering with automatic floor shift (426), safety belts front (431), instruments in English (461), outside rear view mirror on right (502), Becker radio (514), tinted glass and heated rear window (598), headlamp unit, asymmetrical for LH traffic (613), spare wheel – ? (669), air conditioning (306) and additional plate & rear bench stop for Great Britain (32). The car’s original colour scheme was ‘Mercedes White’ (DB050) with a Cognac leather interior and brown carpets (250), which is how the car is presented today.

The car’s early history is not definitively known, however, it is understood to have come to Australia quite early in its life with its then owner who emigrated from New Zealand. The car changed hands in c2015 when it was acquired from the deceased estate of its very long term owner. Oldtimer Australia has recently traded the car and it has just been serviced and prepared for sale by a respected classic Mercedes-Benz specialist.

Today this lovely Mercedes-Benz 280SE Coupe presents and drives beautifully. This car carries an older repaint which presents exceptionally well.  The depth of colour is strong and the paintwork has a high gloss. You have to look hard to find any blemishes. The panel gaps are excellent and the car is as clean underneath as it is on top. All of the exterior trim, chrome, lenses and glass are in good condition though some of the chrome has some very light pitting. Inside the car appears to be very original and incredibly well preserved for an almost fifty year old car . . . it really is fabulous!  All of the upholstery is in very good condition with no rips or tears. The steering wheel, instruments and controls also present really well. Importantly, the instruments and gauges are all in working order and the timber is in good condition, which just sets off the interior nicely. The engine bay is very clean and well presented. The boot looks to have been hardly used and there is a boot mat, spare wheel, tool kit, jack and a first aid kit.

This car starts very easily and the engine is incredibly smooth, even when cold. This lovely old Mercedes-Benz has the desirable four speed floor shift transmission, so select ‘drive’ and away you go. The car just goes about its business in a very businesslike yet very relaxed manner. The ride is incredibly smooth and the car just glides along the road without any fuss. The power steering is perfectly balanced – it’s not too light and it’s not too heavy. You turn the steering wheel and the car just follows in the direction you want it to go. Similarly, apply the brakes and the car pulls up in a very considered manner. It is ‘all class’!

This car has just been serviced and passed a Queensland roadworthy inspection so it is ready for its new owner to use and enjoy. The air conditioning blows cold air ensuring this car could quite easily be used as a daily driver or just a fabulous weekend cruiser.

Accompanying the car is the original book set (including the service book), factory data card and the invoice totalling in excess of $5,500 for the recent works undertaken.

Today the odometer reads 18,208 miles.

These timelessly elegant cars are surely great value, particularly when compared to their V8 engined ‘big brother’ the 280SE 3.5 Coupe. This particular example, which is highly optioned and in wonderful condition makes it an inspired choice for any classic car enthusiast.