In November 1967, the 250SE was superseded by the new 280SE. The new M130 six-cylinder engine had a displacement of 2,778cc and an output 160bhp at 5500rpm. Top speed was well over 110mph and acceleration to 60mph took only 10.5 seconds! Inside the newly designed vehicle received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and other minor changes including door lock buttons and different heater levers. The hubcaps were changed yet again to a new one piece design and the design of the exterior mirror changed. The 300SE, based on early 1950s M189, was also retired. The modern 280SE could outperform the 300SE despite the smaller engine.

A final new version of the 280SE was added in August 1969 featuring an all new, fuel-injected V8 It was given the simple name”280SE 3.5.” The car was fitted with the brand-new M116 engine which had a displacement of 3,499cc and now produced 200bhp at 5800 rpm and a new top speed of 130mph! To accommodate the large engine, the car’s front grille was widened and front and rear bumpers were modified with the addition of rubber strips. The rear lenses changed to a flatter cleaner design. This change was carried across the standard 280SE. Some view this car as an ideological successor to the W112 300SE, though it lacked the air suspension. The last 280SE was produced in January 1971, with the 280SE 3.5 ending production later in July of the same year.

 Chassis No. 111.026-12-003580

This particular 280SE 3.5 Coupé was special ordered new by the Western Automobile Co. Ltd., of Tokyo, Japan, the greater Tokyo and Yokohama authorized Mercedes Benz agent which traces its roots going back more than 70 years. The vehicle was special ordered new for a favored client and immediately after delivery and thereafter treated as a treasure “Object d’Art.” It remained in single family ownership throughout its life in Japan covering only sufficient mileage to ensure all was in proper order. This vehicle has covered only 5,047 Kilometers (3,136 Miles) from new. It remains exactly as delivered new in an impossibly pristinely preserved state. It retains all of the original delivery equipment, tools, record and documents. There is absolutely no chance of finding a more genuine, authentic example anywhere at any price.