Sixty years ago, a model series debuted at Mercedes-Benz that is still considered by many to be the most beautiful way to drive a Mercedes: the Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and coupés of the W111 series. Today, top prices in the six-digit euro range are sometimes demanded for top-preserved examples. However, the W111 series as an original classic is not only a worthwhile financial investment, but also has great added value when individually modified.
Sixty years ago, a model series debuted at Mercedes-Benz that is still considered by many to be the most beautiful way to drive a Mercedes: the Mercedes-Benz cabriolets and coupés of the W111 series. Today, top prices in the six-digit euro range are sometimes demanded for top-preserved examples. However, the W111 series as an original classic is not only a worthwhile financial investment, but also has great added value when individually modified.
As the successor to the tailfin models W 111 /112, the brand with the star launched the W 108 as a new luxury class in August 1965. It was initially built as the 250 S, 250 SE and 300 SE. New compared to its predecessors were the disc brakes on all four wheels. The engines for the 250 models were based on bored-out blocks from the 220 series. Paul Bracq, who was responsible for the design, only hinted at the previous tail fins in the body shape.
The 280 SE (W108 as it’s known internally) was styled by Paul Bracq – he managed to bridge the gap from the Benzes of old to the modern cars of the ’80s. All the 280 models were powered by the M130 2.8-litre inline-six engine – this one features a smooth four-speed gearbox, disc brakes all around, and a great amount of history.