• One of only 2,430 W111 coupés produced for 1970 with the desirable 3.5-litre V-8 engine
• Equipped with rare, four-speed, manual transmission
• Believed to have been owned by his excellency André Gadaud, French ambassador to Spain and Switzerland
• Nicely equipped with Behr air conditioner, Becker Grand Prix radio, rear speaker, and a sunroof

Throughout the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz manufactured some of the most exclusive and luxurious machines to grace European roads, building a reputation for supreme quality that persists to this day. A standout among these exemplary models were the saloons, coupés and convertibles of the W111 series—hand-built masterpieces of engineering that exude quality from every screw, veneer, and hide.
Chassis 001496 is one of the most desirable variants, benefitting from both the striking two-door coupé body style, and the fuel-injected 3.5-litre V-8 engine that was introduced in 1969. Just 2,430 machines rolled off the production line so specified, with even fewer featuring the four-speed manual transmission found in this example.

Finished in Bronzebraun with a Dark Maroon roof over beige leather, documents on file detail the car’s import to France by Royal Elysees S.A., exclusive importer of Daimler-Benz products. According to the accompanying service book, this special Mercedes-Benz was delivered to Mr. Philippe Agnus through the marque’s dealership in Bolougne sur Seine on 18 June 1970, boasting a number of desirable features including a factory rear-glass heater, a rear loudspeaker package, Becker Grand Prix radio, Behr air conditioning, a limited slip differential, and a sunroof.

It is believed that this handsome 280 SE Coupé entered the care of his excellency André Gadaud in 1993, a former French consul general based in New York who would become French ambassador to Madrid and later Switzerland. The car was eventually sold in 2016 and was relinquished by its most recent private owner in 2021, before which an invoice details maintenance including an oil and filter change, brake fluid refresh, and balancing of the tyres. Further repair work was carried out in 2022, including replacement of the exhaust system, and extensive rust repairs to the underbody and rear wing, with a corresponding invoice for CHF 9,759.55 from Carosserrie Services Sàrl in Switzerland.

A masterpiece of engineering and a cornerstone of the Mercedes-Benz legend, this elegant coupé, with its desirable 3.5-litre engine and manual transmission, represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a rare and timeless classic.To view this car and others currently available, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/home/private-treaty-sales/.