1968 mercedes-benz 280 se 4 sp manual 2d coupe

This 1968 Mercedes 280SE represents one of the finest expressions of classic Stuttgart engineering...an era where design, craftsmanship, and durability were paramount!

Finished in truly stunning condition, this example presents at a level that is arguably among the very best currently in New Zealand, reflecting careful ownership and meticulous preservation.

From its elegant Paul Bracq, penned body lines to its beautifully finished interior, every detail speaks to a time when Mercedes-Benz built cars to outlast generations rather than trends.

ABOUT THIS CAR

Matching numbers car, in Absolute Stunning condition.
Restored by the one and only, highly skilled Lloyd Marx in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2016 at 119772 miles, with restoration records available, this car came out of the Angus Cochram collection and its immaculate.
Servicing up to date - last serviced by European car specialists, Euromarque, in Christchurch, New Zealand in November 2025.
Four Speed Automatic, which was advanced for the era.
Airconditioned
Becker radio
Odometer in Miles.
Pillarless design (coupé) with hand-built elements.
Powered by the smooth and refined 2.8-litre inline-six engine, the 280SE delivers effortless performance with approximately 160bhp, paired with an automatic transmission. It offers composed cruising, strong mid-range torque, and that unmistakable Mercedes solidity that defined the brand’s golden era. The ride quality is exceptional, with independent suspension and disc brakes all round ensuring both comfort and confidence on the road.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in understated luxury, rich leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and beautifully weighted switch gear create an environment that feels both timeless and authentically analogue. It is a space designed not for excess, but for refinement and enduring quality.
From a collector’s perspective, the 280SE continues to strengthen in appeal globally. Increasingly recognised as a blue-chip classic, well-preserved examples are becoming harder to find, and values have shown steady upward momentum as enthusiasts and investors alike compete for the best cars. In this context, outstanding examples such as this stand out significantly, particularly in markets like New Zealand where true top-tier cars are exceptionally scarce.
More than just a classic, this 280SE represents an opportunity to acquire a genuinely special piece of automotive history...one that combines beauty, usability, and long-term collectibility.
Renowned for bank-vault build quality
Smooth, refined inline-six performance

In today’s classic car market, the Mercedes-Benz 280SE has firmly established itself as a blue-chip example of 1960s Stuttgart engineering, with a consistent track record of appreciation.

International auction results show well-preserved W111 Coupés typically trading around €150,000 depending on condition, provenance, and specification, while exceptional concours-level examples can achieve significantly higher figures at major sales.

The most desirable cars, particularly those that are original, rust-free, and highly authentic, continue to attract strong competitive interest, reflecting increasing global demand for elegant, usable classics with genuine heritage and craftsmanship. With relatively limited production numbers and a steadily declining pool of surviving high-quality examples, supply is tightening, which in turn is supporting ongoing value growth.

Within the wider collector landscape, the 280SE is now recognised as a defining model of the “analogue luxury” era, offering a combination of usability, beauty, and engineering integrity that modern vehicles rarely replicate. As a result, its value trajectory is underpinned less by speculation and more by structural fundamentals: scarcity, international demand, and the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz’s golden-era design philosophy.

For discerning buyers, this places the 280SE in a strong long-term holding category, where ownership delivers both immediate driving enjoyment and continued appreciation potential over time. As interest in the W111 series strengthens, examples of this calibre are increasingly positioned at the upper end of desirability, with both collectibility and market confidence continuing to build.

Ultimately, this is not a car for the casual observer. The 280SE appeals to those who recognise its significance at first glance; enthusiasts who value authenticity, understated excellence, and true automotive artistry.

Transport / Worldwide shipping can be organised on Buyer's behalf at Buyer's cost.

Viewing Business Hours Monday to Friday By Appointment Only.

PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.