During the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz offered a series of convertible and coupe sedans based on its W111 chassis platform. Early variants of this model are collectively known as “Fin-backs” as a result of Mercedes-Benz building these sedans with prominent tail fins, in a misguided effort to appeal to what the Stuttgart manufacturer thought were American tastes. Of course, by this time, the era of tail fins was by and large over, so the styling of these early sedans came in for a reasonable thrashing, as being dowdy and out of date. While the styling of these early cars may have been stodgy, their engineering was extremely sound, resulting in a hearty, if not slightly underpowered, sedan that would run seemingly forever.
As the 1960s progressed, Mercedes-Benz expanded the W111-based offerings by adding larger and more powerful 6-cylinder and eventually V8 power plants to the existing small-displacement, 4-cylinder gas and diesel engines.
By 1968, the larger 250SE and 300SE sedan and convertible were replaced with the more powerful 280SE. While the chassis and underpinnings were ostensibly the same (W111, steel unibody, with independent front suspension and swing-arm rear suspension), the 6-cylinder engine was upgraded from 2,496-cc to 2,778-cc. This new M130 engine variation featured mechanical fuel injection like its predecessor, but now also benefitted from a 7-main-bearing crankshaft, improved engine cooling and as much as 180-hp. When coupled with Mercedes’ 4-speed automatic transmission, the 280SE was capable of hurling its stout 3,570-lb girth up to speeds approaching 120 mph.
From 1969 until 1971, Mercedes also offered the 280SE in a premium 3.5 variant, which featured a Bosch D-Jetronic electronically fuel-injected, 3.5-liter, SOHC V8 engine that produced 230-hp @5,800 rpm. These 280SE 3.5’s received a lowered hoodline and reshaped grille, and as the ultimate incantation of the 1960s W111 chassis are among the most collectible of the entire W111 series.
On the Road
The 280SE convertible, in some respects, is the European equivalent of the Cadillac Eldorado convertible—a big, sound, comfortable convertible for top-down cruising for a party of four. Pulling open the substantial-feeling driver-side door reveals a Teutonically luxurious interior. Sliding into the front seats provides a better glimpse of the elegant but understated interior. The dashboard is dominated by a very upright and prominent wood binnacle, which features a large mechanical speedometer and tachometer set to either side of a vertical multigauge that shows engine temps, fuel level, etc. Beautifully finished wood accents can also be found across the dash face itself, as well as along the base of the front window line and capping both A-pillars. In this metallic gold painted example, the balance of the interior is finished in tan MB-tex vinyl, which is remarkably indestructible. The tall, straight-backed front seats are softly sprung, making for an overall comfortable feel, though their lack of body contours does little to give the driver much in the way of lateral or lower back support.
Turning the key quickly brings the 2.8-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine to life with a low-noted thrum, not unlike the world’s largest industrial vacuum! Grabbing ahold of the diminutive, floor-mounted shift knob and moving it into drive elicits a prominent thunk, as the big 4-speed automatic engages. But letting off the brake and pressing on the gas results in the big 2-door convertible motoring away with a satisfying hum from under the hood.
As the 280SE spools its way up to higher rpm, the one weak link—or rather annoying link—in this boulevard cruiser makes itself known…the transmission. When the 280SE shifts gears it comes with a wallop reminiscent of two giant steel plates being smashed together. Shifts are oftentimes harsh and jarring, which is somewhat surprising considering how smooth and refined the rest of the car is. However, this is a common complaint with nearly all the vacuum-activated automatic transmissions Mercedes used during this time period…it’s something that owners just have to get used.
Acceleration isn’t stunning, but then the 280SE weighs almost 3,600 pounds and was never designed to be a sports car. However, once up to speed, the 280SE hums along with an ease and sense of solidness that makes it an almost effortless pleasure to cruise in, at speed. While all the 280SE’s mass gives it its sense of smoothness, that weight is noticeable in the handling, which can feel ponderous at times. Added to this is a power steering system that can be vague, but again, this is a luxury touring car, not a high-performance sports car.
The convertible versions of the W111 sedan have become extremely desirable to collectors over the past 10 years, so values have increased significantly. While the 300SE and 280SE 3.5, may be more valuable from a collecting standpoint, the 280SE is essentially the same car, with a little less horsepower. While expensive to restore, parts availability is good and if well maintained, examples can easily go for 100,000 miles before needing to be rebuilt.
Driven Classics at a Glance:
SPECIFICATIONS
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Convertible
Production: 1968-1971
Chassis: Unibody, steel
Wheelbase: 2750-mm
Length: 4905-mm
Width: 1845-mm
Front Track: 1482-mm
Rear Track: 1485-mm
Height : 1420-mm
Weight: 3570 pounds
Suspension: (F) Unequal length A-arms, (R) Swing axle with coil spring Engine SOHC, Inline-6
Displacement: 2778-cc
Bore x Stroke: 86.5-mm x 78.8-mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Induction: Mechanical Fuel Injection
Power: 180-hp
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Brakes: 4-wheel disc
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed: 120 mph
0-60 mph: 11-sec.
Average fuel consumption: 15-mpg
VALUATION
Price at launch
Excellent: $154,000
Good: $120,000
Average: $94,000
Poor: $65,000
