Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 V8 Coupe

The W111 280SE 3.5 Coupe pairs Mercedes-Benz's pillarless two-door body with the fuel-injected 3.5-litre V8, one of the most desirable versions of the model. This 1971 example is a US-market import from California, and the dealer describes the underside as solid and original.

Its history is well documented from 1998, with regular specialist servicing under a long-term owner who kept it at a holiday home in Palm Springs. While in America the V8 was rebuilt, and the power steering box, differential, radiator and coolant hoses were renewed, along with a full stainless-steel exhaust.

It came to the UK in 2014. Since then it has covered only about 2,000 miles, for a total of 80,900. UK work includes new rear springs, replacement transmission mountings and a full overhaul of the four-speed automatic gearbox. The seats have been re-trimmed in the original black leather. The private registration is not included in the sale.