Well, I guess it’s not only American iron that experiences northbound engine swaps, as this 1969 Mercedes 280 SE coupe, a W111 in Mercedes-speak, has experienced a significant prime mover upgrade. The seller states, “(Hellcat) with a very interesting history for sale.” OK, I’m not sure what he means by referring to this Benz as a “Hellcat”, so let’s investigate this car’s interesting history, and maybe we can figure it out. Asheville, North Carolina, is where you’ll find it, and it’s available here on craigslist for $64,500. Thanks are due to Mitchell G. for this tip!
So, this Mercedes started life as a 280 SE, and as mentioned earlier, is a member of the W111 series that was offered between 1959 and 1971. Specifically, the coupe, such as our subject, saw eleven years of production (’61-’71) and mustered about 33K copies. What powered this coupe originally is not stated, though it would have been either a 2.8-liter in-line six or a 3.5-liter V8. Well, not anymore, as the seller tells us, “engine, transmission, front, rear axle, body floor came from a 1973 280sel 4.5 with 87k miles.” I’m not sure about the need for the floor transplant, but I’m hardly an expert on Mercedes architecture. Research indicates that the 280 SEL 4.5 started out as a North American model only, with a power output of about 195 net HP. Hellcat? Maybe Hellkitten, but I’m not even sure of that. So, how’s this Hepcat with its three-speed automatic transmission run and drive? No idea, nothing is said. I will, however, give this Mercedes points for its clean engine room.
“Painted in Mercedes 2-stage color # 461 metallic dark bronze from that Year,” is how the finish of this Benz is described, and I must say, I like it – big praise coming from someone who doesn’t generally like brown cars. The lines of this coupe, especially the C-pillar and that fabulous backlight, work with the hue to present a very dignified bearing. The condition of the chrome bits and trim is at as high a level as the finish – it’s just perfect all the way around. The Mercedes wheels, while not being original to this 280 SE, work well, nevertheless, and pull it all together.
The interior is, at least, a partial redo, and the dash is a work of art. The wood trim is all new, as are the carpets and seatbelts. Those front seat covers, however, they’re a comparative letdown in my estimation. The seller notes that a “very good” Kuklmeister A/C system is in place.
This Mercedes appears to be an excellent example of one of their more exalted models – this is an all-business car and stands on its own. And for that reason, I’d dispense with the “hellcat” silliness – it’s not necessary and it seems, based on the available research, that the 4.5-liter engine doesn’t pack much more of a punch than the optional 3.5 did. Still, it’s a bragworthy upgrade, you know, strength in numbers. Let’s talk price, at $64,500, what’s your thought, priced right or not quite?
I know very little about vintage MBZ, but a quick look at Hagerty for this car equipped with a V8 shows a #3 condition at $58,800. So, just based on this, the price isn’t crazy, but the lack of originality has to be a factor. It’s a beautiful car and the workmanship looks very tidy. If I was in the market, I’d be having a long conversation with this seller. I could see this in my garage.
This car came with a 2.8L 6.. the v8 model came with a lower hood and front grill
Overpriced. For that kind of money you could have a very nice BMW 3.0CSi
If you want a nice coupe that would be where I was looking in that price range.
Hot damn, that dash really is beautiful.
Your headline got me to thinking, an actual Hellcat swap into an old Benz would be hilarious. Perhaps I should add that to my list of Powerball dream cars to build.
Jim… nice write up especially when it came out engine swap and Hellcat on the same line.You got me excited!! And me being a Mopar guy wow! Then seeing a 4.5 big V8 Mercedes engine i was confused. Went to Craigslist for answers but, got more confused when the seller wrote Hellcat again. I wonder if Hellcat is a performance thing Mercedes did back then. It’s a beautiful car no doubt then pictures 23 and 24 shows a small fleet of them. Ahhh he is a collector of this type of Benzs! So he know what he is doing. The engine compartment is beautiful and looks factory installed. The dash is a work of art and probably not cheap to do. And having AC is very nice. So the price is fair with all the work done to it. And he talks about the paperwork that comes with it. So a collector would really appreciate this or a person who like Mercedes Benz. Good luck to the next owner. I still wish the seller talk about the Hellcat story on this. 🐻🇺🇸
Fine Car. I’ll bet you can hear the clock tick in it going down the boulevard. And the ride is smooth as silk, like sitting on your couch in the living room. No speed demon, but it can keep up with everybody else on the Autobahn.
The comment about the clock ticking reminded once again why I have a certain respect for the Mercedes: my dad bought a used 1961 190d when I was fifteen. This is the car in which all the kids learned to drive, column shift, gutless, bulletproof, and the youngest ended up keeping the car for decades upon decades as a more or less regular driver. Eventually he was in a wreck, in an intersection in LA, hit by a bus of some sort and the car was totalled. My brother was OK and the clock was still ticking, keeping perfect time.
I had a 1971 W111 sedan 4.5 and it was a great engine. And very fast! This one has the 4.5 badge on the deck lid so don’t understand that. Don’t mind the later year Benz rims at all, but seller is asking crazy money for this Benz, IMO. I traded my 83 BMW 320i for mine back in 1990.
Beautiful looking Mercedes, but…Ashville, NC? Oh, dear…they were underwater for months this year after the hurricane. Big fat pass for me. I’m not big on $64,000 fish tank decorations.
That makes sense. Were it not unit construction it sounds like he dropped the body on a later model chassis. With that wording I wonder if he wanted to keep it titled as a 69?
as a purist, this is not appealing to me. resale on any modified mercedes is going to be compromised for anyone wanting authenticity. probably a great driver. I had a 73 280SE 4.5 back in 75 when I was 22 yrs old. great car, love the coupe, but would rather it be stock.
This reminds me of the biggest mistake in car purchases about 25 years ago. Mine was the 1969 Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 sedan, a monster. I replaced the air bag suspension myself for just $1000 in parts back then, but the mechanical fuel injection pump was seeping fuel, not good and very expensive. I traded it in for a much more reasonable nice 1983 300 SD diesel plus my cash. Much easier on the wallet.
I owned a 1977 Mercedes Benz 6.9 many years ago. This car was a “Hellcat”. It was the fastest 4 door sedan made back then. The 6.9 liter V8 engine had tons of torque. The air suspension gave one of the smoothest rides. The car was built with classic German precision.