Originally the W111 Coupé was launched as the 220SE in late 1960, appointed with a straight-six 2,195cc engine and 160km/h top speed. This was followed in 1965 by the 250SE and then in November 1967, the 250 SE was superseded by the 280SE. It was powered by the new 2,778cc M130 engine, which produced 160hp (119kW) at 5500rpm. Top speed was hardly affected, but acceleration from 0-100km/h (62mph) improved to 10.5 seconds. Inside, the car received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and other minor changes, including door lock buttons and different heater levers. Despite its smaller engine, the 280SE could outperform the early 1950s M189-powered 300 SE, resulting in the more expensive model's retirement. In all, 3,797 examples of the 280SE Coupé were manufactured of which 150 were right-hand drive.
Manufactured in July 1968, chassis ‘11102422001236’ was supplied new the Republic of Ireland and is understood to have resided there until 2008 when the Mercedes was entrusted to well-regarded Mercedes-Benz restorers Heaney Motor Company of Derry as a barn find on behalf of a customer. From there, the 280 was stripped to bare metal, the bodywork was fully restored with genuine Mercedes-Benz new old stock panels (that are practically unattainable now) fitted as required, before the Coupe was repainted in Anthrazit Grau Metallic. The interior upholstery was fully retrimmed in Mulberry Red leather with a wool velour mix carpet set and factory specification headlining. The woodwork was veneered and lacquered, with extensive rechroming outside.
A matching chassis and engine numbers example, this 280 SE Coupe has very rare factory features such as electric windows and electric sunroof that were usually exclusively for the 3.5-litre cars. With Heaney estimating that the restoration cost was in the region of £80,000 - £85,000 (without the car's initial purchase price)
