Metallic Grey/Blue, black MB Tex interior, 4-speed floor change auto, front and rear electric windows, electric sunroof, front and rear armrests, original steel wheels with chrome/body colour hubcaps, Becker Europa radio, total bare-shell rebuild currently in progress to as new ex-factory condition.

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2008. Before restoration commenced

This is one of the iconic Mercedes models of the late 1960s and early 70s, driven by the seriously wealthy when new and a supreme style icon to this day. The simple lines of its Paul Bracq designed coachwork are seemingly even more beautiful now than when it was new, and it is presented in a colour scheme which most people agree shows it off to absolutely the best advantage. Few models from any maker, old or new, have anything like its charisma.  

It was supplied new to a gentleman in Bromley, Kent in August 1971 and has had several owners in the south of England until August 2008 when it was purchased by a gentleman in Blackburn, Lancs. At that stage the car was still in good condition with only 71,000 miles covered, as evidenced by the almost complete set of MoT certificates, many invoices and items of correspondence. He drove it the 200 or so miles to its new home and used it as daily transport for a short period.  

Despite there being nothing basically wrong with the car the new owner then embarked on a 'no expense spared' quest to rebuild it to as-new condition. He first of all took it to a classic car restoration company in Manchester who did some dismantling work, but he was not impressed with the quality of their work so had it moved to a renowned restorer of classic Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Jaguar, TVR, Porsche and Aston Martin cars near Clitheroe, Lancs. Over the course of two years they stripped the car down to its bare shell, acid dipped it to bare metal, repaired it using genuine Mercedes panels and prepared, rustproofed and painted it to better than new condition for reassembly. All components have been carefully catalogued, the engine has been completely dismantled for rebuilding, structural, suspension, drivetrain and braking systems have been overhauled and powder coated, wood has been expertly repolished, chrome parts have been replated, other metal fittings have been anodised and thousands of pounds worth of new genuine components have been purchased ready for reassembly. Around 1500 photographs have been taken in the process, which are available on CDROM. Unfortunately at this stage a change of personal circumstances meant that the owner could not put any more money into the project, so with the car still in pieces he had to call a halt.

We have purchased the car as a project in progress and have moved it to our classic Mercedes restoration partner for completion. Work is now under way and it will shortly emerge as the highest quality Mercedes car available from this era.

Along with the car itself we have the restoration file complete with all invoices. The total documented amount spent on parts, materials and labour upto the point where we took the project over is in excess of £64,000. This is already one of the best documented Mercedes restoration projects in existence, but the features writer for the Mercedes-Benz Club Gazette is also visiting the project regularly to gather material for an article on the completed vehicle, so it will be well known in club circles.

In valuing the finished product it must inevitably be borne in mind that the saloon versions of this model are not as valuable as the coupes or cabriolets, so having already spent a sum well in excess of the finished car's probable value there was no way the owner could realise more than a fraction of his investment as a distress sale. This fantastic vehicle, when complete, will therefore be available to a new owner for considerably less than has already been spent, at a figure probably lower than what a mediocre 280SE 3.5 coupe would normally sell for.

We are offering it for sale now as there is still time for the new owner to have significant input as to what finishes and options are applied. The vehicle itself can be inspected by appointment, as can all the components and documentation. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn the clock back to 1971 and drive out of the showroom in what will essentially be a new Mercedes 280SE 3.5. Not to be missed!

Click HERE for detailed technical and historical data about this model

To enquire about this car telephone: 07980 241177 or 01625 260913   or email: info@ccbenz.co.uk