1968 Mercedes-Benz

1968 Mercedes 280SE Coupe Pre-Production RHD Prototype.

Only 245 RHD 280SE 3.5’s were manufactured for public consumption, however this car is possibly the only Pre-production RHD coupe in existence, coming off the production line in November 1968 for the Daimler-Benz Experimental Division. The M130E six cylinder engine and gearbox was removed and fitted was the all new W116 980 3.5l V8 along with a re-designed bonnet.

There is a fully documented factory record of the above but moreover the engine and axel numbers all show the “V” designation meaning Versuch i.e.. Experiment.

The first owner was a Mr. Gowers who had a friend on the ‘inside’ at Mercedes and was therefore able to buy this car out the back door so to speak and it stayed in his ownership for 35 years!

This example has the most spectacular service history files, dating from its pre-production paperwork at Mercedes, all the way through to the present-day including details and imagery of its restoration.

If you’re looking for a world class collectable Mercedes, look no further.