1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé
Chassis No. 111.026.12.001661
Engine No. 116.980.12.001430
The original invoice shows that the car was ordered by its first owner on 29 April 1970, and dispatched to Switzerland on 23 June, where it was delivered to Doris Schindler of Hergiswil by Gebrüder Ottiger & Co. of Luzern. Placed near the pinnacle of Mercedes' model hierarchy, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupé was often the car of choice for royalty, financiers, and industrialists. This includes Mrs. Schindler from the well-known 152-year-old Schindler Group, industry leaders in escalators, moving walkways, and elevators.
Mrs. Schindler retained the car for an impressive 40 years as noted on its Swiss registration, until September 2010, with the accompanying stamped Service Booklet documenting its mileage and well-cared for history in Luzern. Leaving Switzerland for the first time, the car returned to Germany in June 2012. The car then passed through a chain of documented owners until October 2019, when it entered the collection of its current German owner just north of Frankfurt am Main.
Under their care, its FIVA Identity Card was issued on 12 November 2020, neatly documenting the car's history from new. Clearly impressed by the high degree of originality, including its stunning interior, the remarks include "still predominantly original factory applied exterior paint," listing the car in preservation group 2. The transmission was replaced by a factory reinforced unit by Kienle Automobiltechnik in January 2020 while retaining the matching numbers engine. They also performed a comprehensive service on the car, including work on the cooling system, brakes, suspension, and more, totaling over €23.000. In early 2025 and 2026, the car was serviced by Walter Pusch GmbH, with work rendered to the automatic transmission, rear axle, fuel injection, brake, and cooling systems totaling over €12.000.
The 280 SE 3.5 has been beloved for its wonderful blend of graceful elegance, Mercedes' world-class engineering, and effortless V8 power since it was new. This example is furnished with its original keys, books, service records, jack, original order and purchase contract from 1970, FIVA Identity Card, German registration, and a valid TÜV report until May 2028. Today, well-preserved and maintained examples, such as this Coupé, are becoming increasingly scarce, which, paired with its noteworthy long-term original ownership by Doris Schindler and original interior, makes it a nearly unrepeatable offering.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
German Fahrzeugbrief
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Chassis No. 111.026.12.001661
Engine No. 116.980.12.001430
The original invoice shows that the car was ordered by its first owner on 29 April 1970, and dispatched to Switzerland on 23 June, where it was delivered to Doris Schindler of Hergiswil by Gebrüder Ottiger & Co. of Luzern. Placed near the pinnacle of Mercedes' model hierarchy, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupé was often the car of choice for royalty, financiers, and industrialists. This includes Mrs. Schindler from the well-known 152-year-old Schindler Group, industry leaders in escalators, moving walkways, and elevators.
Mrs. Schindler retained the car for an impressive 40 years as noted on its Swiss registration, until September 2010, with the accompanying stamped Service Booklet documenting its mileage and well-cared for history in Luzern. Leaving Switzerland for the first time, the car returned to Germany in June 2012. The car then passed through a chain of documented owners until October 2019, when it entered the collection of its current German owner just north of Frankfurt am Main.
Under their care, its FIVA Identity Card was issued on 12 November 2020, neatly documenting the car's history from new. Clearly impressed by the high degree of originality, including its stunning interior, the remarks include "still predominantly original factory applied exterior paint," listing the car in preservation group 2. The transmission was replaced by a factory reinforced unit by Kienle Automobiltechnik in January 2020 while retaining the matching numbers engine. They also performed a comprehensive service on the car, including work on the cooling system, brakes, suspension, and more, totaling over €23.000. In early 2025 and 2026, the car was serviced by Walter Pusch GmbH, with work rendered to the automatic transmission, rear axle, fuel injection, brake, and cooling systems totaling over €12.000.
The 280 SE 3.5 has been beloved for its wonderful blend of graceful elegance, Mercedes' world-class engineering, and effortless V8 power since it was new. This example is furnished with its original keys, books, service records, jack, original order and purchase contract from 1970, FIVA Identity Card, German registration, and a valid TÜV report until May 2028. Today, well-preserved and maintained examples, such as this Coupé, are becoming increasingly scarce, which, paired with its noteworthy long-term original ownership by Doris Schindler and original interior, makes it a nearly unrepeatable offering.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
German Fahrzeugbrief
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
