Prestigious line Rare European model with manual gearbox Engine to any test In 1969, to compensate for the "small" engine of the 250 and 280 SE, Mercedes Benz launched the 280 SE convertibles and coupes powered by a V8. These cars used the same platforms and bodywork as the 6-cylinder models, but were aimed at a clientele that wanted more luxury and more power. Evidence of this: leather is omnipresent in the cabin and the amount of woodwork is impressive, all as standard, please. 75 The 3.5L V8 engines are a technological leap forward compared to the six-cylinder, thanks in part to their electronic fuel injection system and ignition system, which will be found on the Class 5 engines. The result is a very flattering performance: 205 Km/h top speed and 0 to 100 Km/h in 9.5'. The car presented was in the possession of the same owner between 1982 and 2020 and has its logbooks. It has been painted in 2016 and many improvements have been made in 2021 (chrome, electrical maintenance, ...). The black leather upholstery looks very good and matches the off-white paint. The car is now in a very good state of presentation. Note that the left undercarriage could use some attention to prevent rust from taking over. With only 4,502 units, mostly exported, coupes were rarer than convertibles. This means that a 280 SE 3.5 litre 'European' coupé is an absolute rarity. This is the case of the car presented here, whose equipment confirms its initial destination despite its American headlights: four-speed manual gearbox, kilometre counter, thermometer in degrees Celsius, European-style air-conditioning and ventilation control plate. NOITCELLOC ED SELIBOMOTUA 1202 ERBMEVON 70 EHCNAMID