The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 represents the pinnacle of the W111 chassis and the final era of handcrafted Mercedes luxury. This Blue Metallic coupe is one of only 3,270 units produced during its limited three-year run. First owned in California, the vehicle has been maintained to a high standard, showing a clear history of careful preservation. It features the desirable low-style grille and US-specification headlights that define the model’s stately road presence. Recent investments in 2025 have revitalized the interior and mechanical systems, ensuring the car remains ready for the road. Offered with a clean Oregon title, it provides a rare opportunity to own a peak air-cooled era grand tourer. This car embodies a level of build quality that modern automated production simply cannot replicate. It is a rolling piece of industrial art that remains as relevant today as it was five decades ago.
Advanced M116 V8 Power and Automatic Refinement
At the heart of this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 lies the sophisticated 3.5-liter M116 V8 engine. This powerplant utilizes Bosch Jetronic fuel injection to deliver a smooth and reliable 200 horsepower. During recent 2025 service, technicians replaced the valve cover gaskets and performed a comprehensive compression test to verify health. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission that was fully serviced in August 2025. This drivetrain was revolutionary for its time, providing effortless acceleration and quiet high-speed cruising capabilities. The engine bay is well-organized, reflecting the orderly engineering typical of the Mercedes-Benz flagship models. Dual exhaust outlets provide a subtle, dignified note that complements the car’s refined character on the open road. Consequently, this engine remains one of the most respected V8 designs in the company’s long history. It provides the torque necessary to keep pace with modern highway traffic without hesitation.
W111 Chassis Dynamics and Disc Brake Safety
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 utilizes a sophisticated independent double-wishbone front suspension and a rear single-joint swing axle. This setup provides a magic carpet ride quality while maintaining impressive stability through long, sweeping corners. Power steering makes navigating tight city streets easy, while power-assisted disc brakes at each corner provide confident stopping force. In October 2025, the owner fitted four new 205/75 Travelstar whitewall tires to the 14-inch steel wheels. These wheels feature the iconic bright-finished covers with centers painted to match the Blue Metallic bodywork. The car tracks straight and absorbs road imperfections with the heavy, dampened feel unique to vintage Mercedes chassis. Every mechanical update has focused on maintaining the original driving dynamics while improving safety and reliability. This chassis represents the ultimate evolution of the W111 platform before the transition to the R107 and W116 series. It is a balanced machine that rewards a smooth and deliberate driving style.
Parchment Leather Luxury and Behr Air Conditioning
Inside the cabin, the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 offers a sanctuary of parchment leather and rich wood trim. The individual front seats and rear bench were professionally recovered with fresh leather hides in September 2025. Blue carpets provide a beautiful contrast to the light upholstery, while the wood-trimmed dashboard remains a focal point. Modern reliability was prioritized with a full service of the Behr air conditioning system, including a new compressor. Power windows and an original Becker AM/FM stereo ensure that the cabin remains a comfortable place for long-distance touring. Furthermore, the three-point seat belts were recently re-webbed to ensure safety standards are fully met for modern use. The two-spoke steering wheel with its chrome horn ring sits before clear, functional VDO instrumentation and a central clock. Every surface in this interior reflects the hand-finished quality that defined the 280SE 3.5 during its production. It is a space designed for elegance, durability, and absolute passenger comfort.
Performance Specifications and Technical Highlights
This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 is powered by a 3.5L M116 V8 engine producing 200 horsepower and 211 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain includes a four-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive configuration optimized for grand touring comfort. Stopping power is handled by four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes behind 14-inch wheels and fresh Travelstar whitewall tires. The vehicle features a factory-correct Blue Metallic (396) finish and a low-style chrome grille with US-spec lighting. Interior amenities include new parchment leather seat covers, power windows, and a refreshed Behr air conditioning system. Mechanical health is supported by new valve cover gaskets and a transmission service completed in late 2025. These technical specifications confirm the car’s status as a well-sorted example of the W111 platform. It remains a high-specification vehicle that was originally ordered with premium features like an electrically heated rear window. Every detail has been attended to in preparation for its next long-term collector.
Summary of a Handcrafted Blue Metallic Icon
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 stands as a final testament to the era of hand-built luxury at Daimler-Benz. This Blue Metallic example benefits from a lifetime of careful California and Oregon ownership, preserving its structural integrity. The recent investments in leather, tires, and air conditioning make it a turn-key option for the classic enthusiast. Its 3.5L V8 offers the power and smoothness required for modern road conditions without losing its vintage charm. The documented service history and data plate provide the transparency required for a confident purchase. With only a few thousand of these coupes ever produced, they remain high on the list for global collectors. The car represents a unique moment in automotive history where traditional craftsmanship met modern engine technology. As it crosses the block, its rarity and condition will undoubtedly speak for themselves. This Mercedes-Benz is a definitive classic that is ready for another fifty years of service.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
