Mercedes-Benz 1971 280 SE 3.5 Coupé RHD French registration Sold without technical inspection Chassis no. 11102622004206 The 3.5-litre version of the 280 SE is a legendary model among the large-engined Mercedes that appeared when the gradual easing of tax constraints, which had discouraged customers from buying cars with large engines, encouraged the German manufacturer to recompose its range; it was at this point that Mercedes chose the ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupé/Cabriolet and the 300SEL saloon to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969. The car shown here is a very rare right-hand drive version, sold new in the UK and which has been in France since the early 1980s It comes to us in a dusty but terribly moving case: the dream of every collector that we are. It has come out of the barn, after a 15-year dry spell in a beautiful property in Burgundy, and in the hands of the same owner who bought it 40 years ago. It was stopped in perfect running order, with no breakdowns or engine problems, but simply the accidental breakage of the front headlight. The general condition is good and storage conditions have not damaged the interior of the coupé. but obviously needs cleaning. An absolute rarity, the 280 SE 3.5 RHD, right-hand drive, was built in 245 examples only; it is a very interesting restoration project since the base is complete and above all sound, with a clear history. Vehicle files and condition reports are available on request and must be consulted in full by bidders prior to the sale. French registration title No MOT The 3.5-litre version of the 280 SE is a legendary model among the large-engined Mercedes that appeared when the gradual easing of tax constraints, which had discouraged customers from buying cars with large engines, encouraged the German manufacturer to recompose its range; it was at this point that Mercedes chose the ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupé/Cabriolet models and the 300SEL saloon to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969 The car presented here is a very rare right-hand drive version, sold new in the UK and which has been in France since the early 1980s It comes to us in a dusty but terribly moving box: every collector's dream, a real barnraiser, after a 15-year dry spell in a beautiful property in Burgundy, and in the hands of the same owner who bought it 40 years ago It was stopped in perfect running order, with no breakdowns or engine problems, but simply following the accidental breakage of the front headlight; the general condition is good and the storage conditions have not deteriorated the interior of the coupé: the leathers are beautiful but obviously need cleaning An absolute rarity, the 280 SE 3.5 RHD, righthand drive, was built in 245 examples only; it is a very interesting restoration project since the base is complete and above all sound, with a clear history