Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 coupé, W111

Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 coupé, W111

These models represent one of the most beautiful and refined vehicles of the German manufacturer. Although there are substantial differences at mechanical and chassis level, the wood trim is almost equivalent with some simplifications during the production: from 1967 the binnacle has been covered with leather rather than in precious wood veneer, while the central cabinet between the two seats disappear with the evolution of radiator grille in lower line. From then the cabinet is realized in plastic matching the color of the floor carpet and a new wood profile is added in case of equipment with Behr air conditioner.

The wood trim of these vehicles is definitely complex and has several points of deterioration in common from one to another. Particular attention should be given to the central cabinet between the seats and especially to the wood binnacle, which can require 40 or 50 working hours to be reconstructed.

In order to achieve stable results, often are required many structural interventions in the pieces that are under and around the windscreen. Moreover, the loudspeaker mask needs to be reconstructed with a composite material core and where are present, the wood profile of the binnacle and the air conditioner, too.