Vehicle Description
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Low-Grille Coupé – California Car, Rebuilt M116 V8, Show-Quality Interior, Full Chassis Rebuild
This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 low-grille coupé spent its entire life in California. The original 3.5-liter M116 V8 and four-speed automatic transmission have been rebuilt, the car has received a single repaint (stripped to bare metal and refinished in black), and a full refurbishment of the interior to show-quality standards. With a full chassis rebuild in 2014, renewed burled walnut trim, functional Becker Europa stereo and Behr air conditioning, this is a stunning example of Mercedes-Benz’s elegant V-8-powered coupe.
Powertrain
- Original M116 3,499-cc OHV V8 engine (rebuilt)
- Factory-rated 230 horsepower with 9.5:1 compression ratio
- Bosch Jetronic fuel injection
- Original four-speed automatic transmission (rebuilt)
- No powertrain functionality issues – no leaks
- Engine bay is stock and nearly spotless
Exterior & Body
- Stripped to bare metal a few years ago and refinished in black (non-original color)
- Body seals replaced – remain in new condition
- Chrome appears complete
- Original Sekurit glass throughout
- All exterior lighting functional
- Underside presents as strongly clean – visible surface corrosion limited to exhaust system
Interior & Comfort
- Every interior aspect restored to show-quality standards – no visible damage
- Sound insulation, carpeting, headliner, all seals and gaskets renewed
- All gauges, instruments, switches, and controls restored
- Burled walnut dash and interior trim renewed
- Becker Europa AM/FM stereo – functional
- Behr air conditioning – functional
- Heater – functional
- Power window lifts – functional
- Trunk with rubber mat and covered spare – strongly clean
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
- Full chassis rebuild in 2014 – included replacement of front subframe mounts
- Four-wheel disc brakes rebuilt – proper working order
- Power steering – free of leaks
- Tires are recent replacements with nearly full tread remaining
Features & Provenance
- California car – spent entire life in California
- Original engine and transmission – both rebuilt
- Single repaint (stripped to bare metal)
- Full interior refurbishment to show-quality standards
- Full chassis rebuild (2014)
- Low-grille coupe body style
- Original Sekurit glass
- Becker Europa stereo and Behr air conditioning – both functional
This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 low-grille coupé is a beautifully restored example of one of Mercedes-Benz’s most elegant V-8-powered coupes. A lifelong California car, it has benefited from a comprehensive restoration including a rebuilt original M116 3.5-liter V8 and four-speed automatic transmission, a bare-metal repaint in black, and a full interior refurbishment to show-quality standards. The burled walnut dash and trim have been renewed, and every gauge, instrument, switch, and control functions as intended – including the Becker Europa stereo, Behr air conditioning, heater, and power windows. The body seals are new, the chrome is complete, the original Sekurit glass remains, and the underside is strongly clean with only minor exhaust corrosion. The chassis received a full rebuild in 2014 including new front subframe mounts, the four-wheel disc brakes have been rebuilt, the power steering is leak-free, and recent tires show nearly full tread. For the collector seeking a sophisticated, restored, and highly original-looking V-8 Mercedes-Benz coupe with desirable low-grille styling, this 280SE 3.5 is an exceptional offering.
3.5L M116 V8 | 4-Speed Auto | 230 HP | Black over Restored Interior | California Car | Rebuilt Chassis | Functional A/C & Becker Stereo