Mercedes 280SE Coupe Dash Wood

[lorirobin]

I have a question about what choices of wood were available when the car was ordered new and if there
were any choices in the finish, as in tone or color of the finish.  I've seen a number of restored cars and they all seem to have
the same color finish, glossy and rather dark. Were there any other choices from the factory other than the type of wood?
Thanks

[wwheeler]

You could call Madera concepts. They have seen it all.

[hkollan]

Hi,

Three different types of wood where offered for the 280 SE coupe.
Ebony Macassar, Burled wood and French walnut.
No choice of finish where available, only high gloss was possible.
The different interior colors where linked to a certain wood type.
Exceptions could probably be made if a customer insisted upon it, but if so it was very rare.
Blue leather came with French walnut, parchment, red and black interiors came with Macassar and
Cognac, bamboo and dark brown with burled wood to name a few.

Hans

[Benz Dr.]

I had a white Euro 250SE coupe once and it had Macassar with cognac interior. One of the finest cars I've ever owned or driven.

[wwheeler]

I recall Madera saying that the factory typically didn't stain the wood. The color was natural and like most woods, darken when sealed. My W111 is typical with cognac leather, bamboo headliner and sun visors matched with burled walnut wood. I just had the instrument binnacle redone. See attached. 

[wwheeler]

So this is what a wood binnacle looks like on a 280SE that never came with it. I can now appreciate what pains the assembly people went through matching these parts to the car. Every piece probably did have some fine tuning for that perfect fit. Almost finished with this dash restoration that started in February.

[hauser]

Beautiful!

[waqas]

Hi Wallace,

Looks great! I'm always disappointed to see the non-wooden binnacles in the later coupes and cabs. Did you have it refinished at Madera, or somewhere else?

[wwheeler]

Yes, it was done at Madera. Nice people to work with, no problems and pretty quick turnaround. I have had used Heritage Woodworks in the past, but as most know, no longer in business. Madera cautioned me against using a "Furniture" person as Madera uses veneer adhesives that are meant for more harsh exposure. Makes sense if it is true. I'm not peeling the veneer off to find out though Not sure who else does this that specializes in automotive wood.

The wood binnacle is the crown jewel for this car as far as I am concerned.

[m300cab]

Nicely Done!
 

[hauser]

Madera is the only company left as far as I know.  When Drew passed away there was no one left behind to carry on with the business.

[wwheeler]

And the final dash resto. I also covered the seats as well.

[hkollan]

Wallace,

It  just looks totally stunning..
that must surely be one of  the most beautiful interiors around in a 280, with the  wooden instrument housing really adding to it.
Next time you might want to wipe of the rubber pedals, they seem a little dusty... ;-)
Fantastic job!

Cheers

Hans

[wwheeler]

Thanks Hans. I am doing the interior in bits and pieces. Like the steering wheel, carpet are untouched and of course....the pedals. Interesting that you would notice that as you must be sharp-eyed. Judges do look for things like that.

I am also installing a drool bucket for when I drive. I really do like the wood binnacle and it was worth the PITA. As far as safety goes, I can see why the shiny wood is a problem. Reflects the sunlight like crazy. Too bad.

[dpreston Virginia]

Wallace,
The interior looks fabulous. I need to do my dash at some point. I'll be calling you!!

[wwheeler]

There was some mention in the Pagoda Notes about the articles from "The Mercedes Collector". I have the bound issues and one of the first issues details taking the W111 coupe/cab dash apart in sequence. Very helpful.  

[wwheeler]

And the final project picture with the center seat and headrests installed. The car did not come with headrests but were installed with instructions thanks to this site.

And yes, the pedals are still dusty!

[perry113]

Well done Wallace. Hats off!