1971 Mercedes-Benz 280

Mercedes-Benz's history has routinely included hand-crafted, bespoke, and uniquely optioned motorcars. Among them was the V-8 powered, Paul Bracq-designed W111-Series 280 SE that offered the prestige, style, presence, and power of the 600 series but devoid of the formality of a chauffeur. The modern design was a successful union of performance with a well-tailored appearance, highlighted by an upright grille, low profile, and crisp fender lines.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 photo
280SE Convertible
Chassis #: 110271201432
View info and history
Auction entries : 1
From 1965 through 1972, the large luxury line of Mercedes-Benz was the W108 and 109 models. They replaced the Heckflosse or 'fintail' W111/112 cars and initially used the overhead-cam straight-six in several sizes. The car's nomenclature was 250 S, 250 Se, and 300 SE, depending on the engine. In 1967, a 2,778 cubic-centimeter 'M130' engine gave rise to 280 S and 280 SE model designations. By 1969, however, it was recognized that there was a lack of a V8 engine in the U.S. market, so a 3.5-liter power-plant, designated M116, was developed. The power-plant had a cast-iron block for rigidity, economy, and better sound dampening. It had cross-flow wedge cylinder heads with rocker-operated valves driven by a single overhead camshaft per bank. The cams were chain-driven to help extend the life of the engine. The engine initially displaced 3499cc but was followed by a 4520cc 'big block' M1117 version in 1971.

The new W108 model was designated 280 SE 3.5 to distinguish it from its six-cylinder counterpart. Production began in August of 1969 and continued through July of 1971. During the 24-month total production run, there were 3,270 coupes and 1,232 cabriolets. The 1971-1972 cars with larger engines were designated 280 SE 4.5.

The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280
The Mercedes Benz 280S, SE and SEL were powered by a 2,778cc (169.5 cubic-inch) six-cylinder engine, with the 280S producing 157 horsepower and the SE and SEL producing 180 bhp. The 280S engine had seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, overhead camshafts, and 9.0:1 compression. The 280SE and 280SEL had 9.5:1 compression.

In the United States, the 280S sedan was priced at $7,370, the 280SE at $7,600, and the 280SEL at $8,500.

The 280SE 3.5 was a two-door, five-passenger coupe priced at $13,775 and a convertible at $14,500. The 90-degree, overhead-valve, 213.5 cubic-inch engine had a cast iron block, aluminum heads, five main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Bosch fuel injection system, and 9.5:1 compression. It developed 230 horsepower at 6,050 and 230 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 RPM.

Most of the 280 series had a 108.3-inch wheelbase, a length of 192.9 inches, stood 56.7 inches tall (sedan), and had a width of 71.3 inches. The 280 SEL had a 112.2-inch wheelbase and a length of 197 inches. The coupe and convertibles had a height of 55.9 inches and were 72.6 inches wide.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 photo
280 SE Sedan
Chassis #: 11102612002381
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
All of the 280 Series had an automatic transmission, disc brakes, steel unibody construction with an auxiliary front frame, and recirculating ball steering.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019

Related Reading : Mercedes-Benz 280 SE History

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE was produced from 1965 through September 1972. Mounted under the bonnet as a six-cylinder engine fitted with a fuel injection system. (The 250S and 280S had carbureted engines.) By 1970, Mercedes-Benz introduced a larger, eight-cylinder engine displacing 3.5 liters. It was available in a sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles with a total of 5187 examples of the coupe and....
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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$1,395-$7,660
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280
$14,500-$35,600
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 Price Range: $7,660 - $14,500

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1971 Mercedes-Benz Models
$26,530 - $30,120

280 SE

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
108.30 in.
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 157.00hp
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 180.00hp
$5,900 - $9,965
108.30 in.
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 180.00hp
$6,220 - $9,980
108.30 in., 112.20 in.
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 180.00hp
8 cyl., 213.52 CID., 230.00hp
$6,560 - $11,930
108.30 in.
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 157.00hp
$6,270 - $6,270
108.30 in., 112.20 in.
6 cyl., 167.57 CID., 130.00hp
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 157.00hp
8 cyl., 213.52 CID., 230.00hp
$7,660 - $14,500
108.30 in., 112.20 in.
6 cyl., 169.52 CID., 175.00hp
8 cyl., 275.83 CID., 230.00hp
$9,500 - $13,770

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Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.