Media | Articles
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5: The Best or Nothing
Full disclosure: This is one of my favorite Mercedes models. There’s just something about the Mercedes-Benzes circa 1966–1971. They were classy and elegant, not overdone. And I liked the U.S.-spec stacked quad headlights. And the 280SE coupe and cabriolet were even prettier.
When I was about 14 years old, my parents got me a really cool 1/18-scale 1966 Mercedes 280SE convertible. It was white with a red interior. Years later I added period-correct thin whitewalls to a similar one (I still have my original one, unmodified), and took it apart, adding white seats and door panels but leaving the instrument panel, convertible top boot, and carpeting in the original red.
Maisto also released the same model in a deep nonmetallic maroon with a tan interior, and I have one of those as well. Your author also customized said model with whitewalls and a red-and-white interior. You might say I was infatuated with them.
These diecast scale models cemented my love for these cars, along with Henry Rasmussen’s Mercedes for the Road book, which featured another ’71 280SE 3.5 in black with a cream interior. (If you happen to see a copy of that book, by the way, I highly recommend acquiring a copy.)
But I’d never seen one up close. These 220SEb/250SE/300SE/280SE coupes and cabriolets were never high-production vehicles, and except in wealthy urban centers like Chicago or Des Moines, not too many were about in the Midwest. Then, finally, I got to see this gorgeous example at Illinois’ 2024 Geneva Concours d’Elegance. It was worth the wait.
Marketplace
Buy and sell classics with confidence
These vehicles were the last of the breed. The first ones appeared in 1961, as the 220SEb. Flossier 300SE variants were offered a bit later, with broad chrome fender moldings and other extras. Unlike the “fintail” sedan versions, these had smooth rear quarters, which meant they didn’t look so dated as years went by. Heck, they still look good today!
The 3.5 was the ultimate W111 Mercedes. Introduced at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, production began in November of that year. These 3.5 V-8 models ushered in the final styling change for these coupes and cabriolets, with a flatter hood and corresponding flatter and broader grille.
The six-cylinder 280SEs received the same updated nose at the same time, so the only real way to tell whether a 280SE spied in traffic was the V-8 model was via the 3.5 emblem on the right-hand side of the trunk lid.
The M116-code V-8 was all new, of course, and would go on to power various Mercedes models all the way to 1991—with increasing displacements, naturally. The engine’s initial displacement was 3499 cc and European-spec versions produced 200 hp at 5800 rpm.
U.S, versions, unfortunately, were saddled with various period emissions-control devices. As a result, power was down to 180 hp at 5500 rpm. The engine was oversquare with a bore and stroke of 92 x 65.8 mm, with a 9.5:1 compression ratio (the latter on Euro-spec versions).
Regardless of intended market, all 280SE 3.5s utilized Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection and electronic ignition. Four-wheel disc brakes were also included. They were beautiful, luxurious conveyances.
However, with rapidly accelerating emissions and safety regulations—including the proposed (but never implemented) U.S., rollover standards that resulted in many convertible models being abandoned as the ’70s progressed—Mercedes saw the writing on the wall. After all, the same basic body had been in production since 1961. The end of the road for these beautiful cars came in July 1971.
There really wasn’t a replacement, though the SL-based 450SLC was somewhat similar. But even with the stretched wheelbase and back seat, it was smaller and not near as opulent or classy as the final 280SEs. It was truly the end of an era.
All told, 3,270 3.5 coupes and 1232 3.5 cabriolets were built between November 1969 and July 1971. We will never see their like again; surviving examples such as our gorgeous brown one pictured here, are quite valuable—and loved by their lucky owners!
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
I think these are what people imagine whenever anyone says “Mercedes”.
And Thomas and I share excellent taste in headwear!