1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 ‘Sunroof’ Coupe
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Paul Bracq’s elegant coachwork for the W111 platform reached its final evolution with the addition of Mercedes-Benz’s new M116 V-8 engine.
The wider, lower grille required to accommodate the larger powerplant earned these cars the German nickname flachkühler (flat radiator), visually distinguishing them from earlier inline-six variants.
Luxurious interiors featured Zebrano wood trim and leather upholstery befitting the bankers, attorneys, and Hollywood personalities who comprised the clientele. A steel sliding sunroof was available as a desirable factory option.
Hand-built construction at Stuttgart meant extended assembly time compared to series-production vehicles. Each coupe began with a standard chassis before receiving individual attention from craftsmen who installed the wood trim, fitted the leather, and assembled the bodywork to exacting standards.
The 213.5 cubic inch (3.5-liter) V-8 produced 200 horsepower, enabling a top speed of approximately 130 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in around 8.5 seconds despite a curb weight exceeding 3,500 pounds (about 1,600 kg). Four-wheel disc brakes and fully independent coil-spring suspension provided handling characteristics appropriate for the performance.
Production ran from November 1969 through July 1971, yielding just 3,270 coupes. These represented the W111’s ultimate form before Mercedes-Benz transitioned to the more modern R107 SL and later C107 SLC designs.
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