In November 1968, at Hockenheim, the international press was invited to the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz “Stroke-Eight” coupe, Types 250 C, and 280 CE.
The basic technical concept, as well as the design of the new models, was mainly derived from the saloons. Concerning chassis, power unit, and framework, the coupés closely resembled the 250 Type saloon, and up to the A-pillar, even the body of the two versions was identical. It was somehow different than the four-door sedan on which the car was based. It had a lowered greenhouse, longer doors, and no B-pillar.

The design was signed by Paul Braq, who was responsible for more formidable Mercedes-Benz cars. For that model, the headlights were vertical and the taillights were horizontal. It featured a big, chromed grille in the middle. The engine bay was ready to receive the inline-six unit, in a rear-set position to enhance the road-holding and mass distribution.

In the beginning, the car was available with two versions of the 2.5-liter engine, one with carburetor and the other with the newly developed Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system. It was the first electronic injection system installed on a Mercedes-Benz. Later on, the 2.5-liter unit was replaced with the more powerful 2.8-liter, which offered up to 185 hp, with the help of the injection system.