220SE / 250SE /280SE Cabriolets and Coupes 1961-1971 INTRODUCTION and HISTORY This luxurious model was the last of the hand-built Mercedes. Only 13 cars per week rolled off the production line. These cabriolets and coupes are true classics. Unlike other automobiles, these cars were classics the day they rolled off the production line, and have remained so ever since. The 220SEb was first introduced in 1961 and was considered to be an immediate success. Road & Track magazine said "one of the best-looking body designs to come from any German concern." Exquisitely proportioned and beautifully designed. Luxurious may very well be an understatement when describing this model. There were no changes to the basic design until 1969. (Why mess with perfection, huh?) Because of the high demand for convertibles, many coupes have been cut and converted into convertibles, especially the 280 SE 3.5 coupes (as they are the most sought-after of the cabriolets.) SO BE CAREFUL! This has been done so by unscrupulous people in the event of an unsuspecting customer that comes to purchase a convertible. If you are looking at a convertible, make sure to check the chassis number. If you are unsure of the car, call us with the chassis number and we will be happy to help verify whether or not it is a true cabriolet. If you purchase a false convertible, it can cost you thousands of dollars. Click here for information on what to avoid. All of these coupes and convertibles are elegant, yet can still be driven and maintained with no fuss. The later models with bigger engines are preferred, such as the 300 SE, (see separate page) which was rare when it was new, and is a definite keeper now. The 280 SE 3.5 convertible is a definite collectible because of it's power and grace, and also because of the grille, which is lower and wider. They are elegantly trimmed out with leather and hard-wood veneer in the dash. Production Numbers: Production Numbers of the 220SEb from 1961 to 1965 The chassis prefix for coupes is 111 021 The engine prefix is 127 984 The chassis prefix for cabriolets is 111 023 The engine prefix is 127 984 Coupes 14173 units Cabriolets 2729 units Total: 16902 units Production Numbers of the 250SE from 1965 to 1967 The chassis prefix for 250SE Coupes is 111 021 The engine prefix is 129 980/981 The chassis prefix to 250 SE Cabriolets is 111 023 The engine prefix is 129 980/981 Coupes 5259 units Cabriolets 954 units Total: 6213 units Production Numbers of the 280SE from 1968 to 1971 The chassis prefix for 280SE Coupes is 111 024 The engine prefix is 130 980/984 The chassis prefix to 280 SE Cabriolets is 111 025 The engine prefix is 130 980/984 Coupes 3797 units Cabriolets 1390 units Total: 5187 units Production Numbers of the 280SE 3.5 1969 to 1971 The chassis prefix for 280SE 3.5 Coupes is 111 026 The engine prefix is 116 980/990 The chassis prefix for 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolets is 111 027 The engine prefix is 116 980/990 Coupes 3270 units Cabriolet 1232 units Total: 4502 units Buying A 220 SE - 250 SE - 280 SE Know what you're buying and what to look for and know what to avoid. When these cars are well maintained and properly taken care of, they increase in value. Currently:(these are approximate values based on actual sales of vehicles.) values last updated March 2022 PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! A car's value is determined by condition. Standard condition guidelines are as follows: Excellent- A close to perfect original or a very well restored vehicle. Generally a body-off restoration, but a well done body-on restoration that has been fully detailed may qualify. The vehicle is stunning to look at and any flaws are trivial and not readily apparent. Everything works as new, all equipment is original, NOS or excellent quality reproductions. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT # 1 CARS ARE VERY RARE, AND ARE ORIGINAL RIGHT DOWN TO THE HOSE CLAMPS. DO NOT ASSUME THAT JUST BECAUSE A CAR HAS A #1 ASKING PRICE, THAT IT IS IN # 1 CONDITION. MOST CARS FOR SALE OUT THERE ARE LOW # 2 TO HIGH # 3 CARS. Very Good- An extremely presentable vehicle showing minimal wear, or a well restored vehicle. Runs and drives smooth and tight. Needs no mechanical or cosmetic work. All areas have been detailed. Beautiful to look at but clearly not a # 1 vehicle. Good- Presentable inside and out with some signs of wear. Not detailed but clean. Body should be straight and solid with no rust-through anywhere. Shiny, attractive paint but may have evidence of minor fading or checking or other imperfections. Runs and drives well but may need some minor mechanical or cosmetic work. But it is useable and enjoyable as is. Fair- Runs and drives ok but needs work throughout the vehicle. Body shows signs of wear or previous restoration work. Any rust should be minimal and not in any structural areas. Cosmetics, body and mechanicals all need work to some degree. These values are from Collector Car Market Review and are based on actual sales of vehicles, not on asking prices of vehicles. Asking prices, and sales prices are very different. Prices last updeate March 2022 220SEb (6 cylinder cars) 1961-1965 COUPES: CABRIOLETS: # 1 EXCELLENT $55,000.00 $124,000.00 # 2 VERY GOOD $35,000.00 $ 81,000.00 # 3 GOOD $21,000.00 $ 60,000.00 # 4 FAIR $13,000.00 $ 35,000.00 250SE (6 cylinder cars) 1965-1967 # 1 EXCELLENT $ 64,000.00 $140,000.00 # 2 VERY GOOD $ 41,000.00 $ 95,000.00 # 3 GOOD $ 25,000.00 $ 71,000.00 # 4 FAIR $ 15,000.00 $ 42,000.00 280SE (6 cylinder cars) 1968 -1971** # 1 EXCELLENT $ 76,000.00 $170,000.00 # 2 VERY GOOD $ 49,000.00 $125,000.00 # 3 GOOD $ 29,000.00 $ 91,000.00 # 4 FAIR $ 17,000.00 $ 56,000.00 ** low grille cabriolets 1970/1971 cars add 8% 280SE 3.5 (8 cylinder cars) 1971 # 1 EXCELLENT $100,000.00 $301,000.00 # 2 VERY GOOD $ 68,000.00 $234,000.00 # 3 GOOD $ 42,000.00 $185,000.00 # 4 FAIR $ 22,000.00 $115,000.00 Keep in mind that due to the high cost of restoration, mint examples of these cars can and have sold for more than the prices quoted here. When looking for one of these cars, condition is everything. These cars are large, and a complete restoration will become a costly affair. Watch out for rust spots, (SEE PHOTOS BELOW) such as in the headlight buckets, the edges of the wheelwells and in the doors and rockerpanels. Trim condition is important because replacement pieces are hard to find. Bumpers can be fixed and replated if they are dented, but must be replaced if they are rusty. Convertibles are usually in rougher shape than coupes because of sun and water damage to the top and leather interior. The 220 through 280 coupes and cabriolets engines are based on the sedans, therefore, mechanical parts for these cars are in no shortage. FRONT RUSTY FRONT CROSS ROCKER PANEL ON MEMBER DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR BOARD WHERE THE INNER FENDER REAR LOWER TRUNK SUPPORT DECTION RUST MEETS THE FRAME RAIL ALSO CHECK THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER WHERE THE BUMPER MOUNTS REAR TYPICAL FRONT FENDER ROCKER PANEL WHEELBASE RUST. NOTE THE AREA. THIS IS PATCH SOMEONE A COMMON MADE OUT OF PLACE FOR ROOFING FLASHING RUST. MATERIAL AND POP RIVETED IN PLACE! LEFT INNER FRONT FENDER- BATTERY AREA. RUST PRONE DUE TO BATTERY ACID. (NOTE: ON 3.5 CARS BATTERY IS ON THE RIGHT INNER FENDER) These cars can be found as excellent originals, and they are worth looking for. You can save money on your restoration if you purchase an automobile that is in fair to good condition. Condition of a car CANNOT be determined by its location. Don't be fooled by a car's current geographical location. Just because a car is in California today, does not mean that is where it started life. Look at the car in general. Walk around the car several times looking at the gaps for the doors, trunk and hood. Look at the general overall condition of the car. Where to find the engine number and chassis number: You will find the body plate on the radiator core support. This plate will give useful information if you know how to "decode" it. This was the factory's "build plate" it gives the color code, and option codes to which the car was built. DO NOT confuse the numbers on this plate with the VIN number (or chassis number) of the car. VIN number is stamped on the right front frame rail. Also stamped on the radiator core support. Later models (after 1968) have a plate pop riveted to the windhield pillar post and a data plate on the inside door. But because these plates can be removed, and/or replaced, always check the one stamped into the right front frame rail. Use the illustration below for location of plates Type plate Chassis number stamped on right front side member Body and number plate Engine plate VIN #'s are as follows: Model Cabriolet chassis prefix Coupe chassis prefix Engine prefix 220SEb 111 023 111 021 127 984 250SE 111 023 111 021 129 980/981 280SE 111 025 111 024 130 980/984 280SE 3.5 111 027 111 026 116 980/990 ALWAYS put your intended purchase on a lift, up in the air to fully inspect (and poke if necessary) the bottom undercarriage of the car. Any owner who won't allow this may have something to hide. The best tool to use for checking the condition of body panels are your hands. The following illustration will show the most common rust areas. Oil leakages: all older Mercedes have some small oil leakages. Valve guides, valve stem seals, play in piston ring. An exhaust oil cloud after strong acceleration points to defective valve stem seals or valve guides – play in or worn large piston ring are frequently also a cause. Fuel pipes may be porous. Transmission weaknesses – pay attention to wear Additionally the chassis may have the following weaknesses: Rubberseals : Aged by drying-out or dissolved by engine oil, which is distributed by the wind over the chassis bottom. Tie rods: may be worn Steering damper: may be worn, and not work correctly Brake hoses: Ageing - the brake hoses fill-up from the inside, reducing the passage, life span is 15 years (manufacturing date is imprinted) Water hoses Front king pins Technical Specifications of the 220SE Engine Type: 6 cyl ovrhd camshaft (M 127) Bore and stroke: 80 x 72.8mm (3.41 x 3.1 in) Displacement: 2195 cc (133.9 cu in) Power output: 115 hp (DIN) @ 4800 rpm (134 hp SAE @ 5000 rpm) Compression ratio: 8.7:1 Torque: 19 mkg @ 3800 rpm Fuel Injection: Bosch 2 plunger pump Engine speed at 100km/hr: 3470 rpm Gear ratios: I. 3.64:1 automatic I- 3.98:1 II.2.36:1 II--2.52:1 III.1.53:1 III -1.58:1 IV.1.00:1 IV 1.00:1 Rear axle ratio: 4.1 Chassis: unit frame and body Suspension: independent front, single joint swing axle rear, with coil springs Brakes and area: disc front -- drum rear Wheelbase: 2750 mm(108.3 inches) Track front/rear: 1482/1485 mm Length: 4880 mm (192.1 inches) Width: 1845 mm (72.7 inches) Height: 1440 mm(57 inches) Ground clearance: 185 mm (7.3 inches) Tires: coupe: 7.25 x 13 -- cabriolet 750 x 13 Turning circle: 12.1-11.9 meters (39 feet) Steering type and ratio: 22.7:1 (4.1 turns) Weight: coupe: 3102 lbs. -- cabriolet: 3322 lbs Maximum speed: 1 72 km/hr (107mph) Acceleration: 14 sec 0-100 km Fuel consumption 14 L super/100 km16.75 mpg Fuel tank capacity 75 L (17.2 gal) Technical Specifications of the 250SE Engine Type: 6 cylinder overhead camshaft (M129) Bore and stroke: 82 x 78.8 mm Displacement: 2496 cc Power output: 150 hp Compression ratio: 9.3:1 Torque: 22 mkg @ 4200 rpm Carburetion: Bosch two plunger pump Engine speed at 100km/hr: 3245 rpm Gear ratios: I. 4.05:1 automatic: I. 3.98:1 II. 2.23:1 II. 2.52:1 III. 1.42:1 III. 1.58:1 IV. 1.00:1 IV. 1.00:1 Rear axle ratio: 3.92 Chassis: unit frame and body Suspension: independent front and rear, with coil springs, single joint swing axle Brakes and area: disk, servo assist, two circuit hydraulic, 273/279 mm Wheelbase: 2750 mm (108.3 inches) Track front/rear: 1482/1485 mm Length: 4880 mm (192.1 inches) Width: 1845 mm (72.6 inches) Height: coupe: 1420 mm (55.9 inches) -- cabriolet 1435 mm (56.5 inches) Ground clearance: 152 mm (5.9 inches) Tires: 7.35 H 14 or 185 H 14 Turning circle: 12.1 - 11.9 meters Steering type and ratio: recirculating ball, 22.7:1 Weight: coupe: 3378 lbs. -- cabriolet: 3465 lbs. Maximum speed: 120 mph Acceleration: 12 sec 0-100km/hr -- automatic: 13 sec. 0-100 km/hr Fuel consumption: 16 L, super/100 km (14.7mpg); ---automatic:17 L,super (13.7 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 82 L (21.7 gal) Technical Specifications of the 280SE Engine Type: 6 cylinder overhead camshaft (M 130) Bore and stroke: 86.5 x 78.8 mm Displacement: 2778 cc Power output: 160 hp (DIN) @5500 rpm Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Torque: 24.5 mkg @ 4250 rpm Carburetion: Bosch 6 plunger pump Engine speed at 100km/hr: 3140 rpm Gear ratios: I. 3.98:1 II. 2.39:1 III. 1.46: IV. 1.00:1 Rear axle ratio: 3.92 (4.08 for U.S.) Chassis: unit frame and body Suspension: independent front and rear, with coil springs, single joint swing axle, anti-sway bars Brakes and area: disk, power assisted, standard, 273/279mm Wheelbase: 2750 mm (108.3 inches) Track front/rear: 1482/1490 mm Length: 4900 mm (192.9 inches) Width: 1810 mm (71.3 inches) Height: 1440 mm (56.7 inches) Ground clearance: 175mm (6.9 inches) Tires: 7.35 H 14 or 185 H 14 Turning circle: 12.5 meters (41 feet) Steering type and ratio: recirculating ball, 4 turns, servo assisted, 3.0 turns Weight: coupe: 3330 lbs -- cabriolet: 3495 lbs. Maximum speed: 118 mph Acceleration: 10.5 sec 0-100km/hr Fuel consumption: 12.5 L, super/100 km (14.7mpg); Fuel tank capacity: 82 L (21.7 gal) Technical Specifications of the 280SE 3.5 Engine Type: V-8 cyl overhead camshaft, one for each bank (M 116) Bore and stroke: 92 x 65.8 mm Displacement: 3499 cc Power output: 200 hp (DIN) @ 5800 rpm Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Torque: 29.2 mkg @ 4000 rpm Fuel Injection: Bosch electronic Engine speed at 100km/hr: 2945 rpm Gear ratios: I. 3.98:1 II. 2.39:1 III. 1.46:1 IV. 1.00:1 Rear axle ratio: 3.69 Chassis: unit frame and body Suspension: independent front and rear, with coil springs, single joint swing axle Brakes and area: disk, servo assist, two circuit hydraulic, 273/279 mm Wheelbase: 2750 mm (108.3 inches) Track front/rear: 1482/1485 mm (58.4-58.6 inches) Length: 4880 mm (192 inches) Width: 1845mm (72.6 inches) Height: 1395 mm (54.9 inches) Ground clearance: 152 mm (6 inches) Tires: 7.35 H 14 or 185 H 14 Turning circle: 12 meters (39.4 feet) Steering type and ratio: recirculating ball, 3.2 turns, servo assisted Weight: convertible, 3463 lbs. -- coupe: 3641 lbs. Maximum speed: 127 mph Acceleration: 9.5 sec 0-100km/hr Fuel consumption: 13 L, super/100 km (18mpg); Fuel tank capacity: 82 L (21.7 gal) BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLES OF W 111 CABRIOLETS