1971-Mercedes Benz-280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet

Description

1971 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
s/n 111.027-12-004154
Metallic Silver-Blue with Parchment Leather

The absolute top of the line model in its day, the 280SE 3.5 Convertible remains a sought-after and collectible car today. They are the last of the classic, almost Baroque Mercedes 2-doors, and the last of the full-sized convertibles, presenting an elegant and comfortable way to enjoy open-air motoring with four of your full-sized friends or family members. From a technological standpoint, the cars represented Mercedes` typical engineering prowess, with fuel-injected overhead cam V8 power plants, independent suspension all around, power steering, power disc brakes, and many convenience features. Safety was also a concern, with crumple zones, padded steering wheel and dashboard components, and three-point safety belts. The truly extraordinary qualities of this car lie in its attention to detail and craftsmanship. Very few objects of any kind, cars or otherwise, are quite so robustly built, and this is particularly striking when compared with today`s cars. These cars were the last ones to be built largely by hand, and when new, they were astronomically expensive. Consequently, few were sold, and they have always been rare.

This particular example is a US market car, desirably equipped with console automatic, power windows, 300 trim, and Behr air conditioning. It has been the subject of a recent restoration, and makes a strong presentation. The body, paint, select chrome, complete interior including dash and door wood, a new canvas top, and many other aspects of the car were included in the restoration efforts. Like other 3.5 Cabriolets- which have always been coveted by the World’s social elite, this example has spent time on many different continents. Recently, it has returned from the US after an ownership period in Japan.

The car makes a fresh impression. The paint has been redone to good driver standards. The door fitment is quite good, while the panel match at the trunk and engine lid is satisfactory. The chrome is generally good, with some minor pitting to the window frames and other select trim pieces. The bumpers have been more recently re-plated to good driver standards. The window glass is in good order throughout. A new canvas top has been fitted, dark blue in color.

The interior is excellent. The front and rear seats, dash pad, door panels, and console, and top boot are all freshly trimmed in soft parchment leather. The recently refinished dash and door wood is outstanding. The factory gauges and switchgear remain. The white hard plastic steering wheel appears new, and is flawless. The carpets are also new, and in good order.

The engine bay is very well detailed, and sparkles. The trunk is in good order. The underside is representative of a nice driver car. While structurally solid at this time, we note work performed to the outer rocker panels, truck floor, driver’s side rear quarter panel, and rear panel. There may have been other work performed to the frontal area of the car. The floors are in good condition, and solid. We invite seriously interested parties or their agents to thoroughly inspect the car in person, to may sure this particular 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is the right example for them.

The car drives as it should. The engine and transmission run well with good power, no noticeable smoke, shifting, or power delivery issues. The radio works, as do the lights, indicators, and all four power windows. The Behr A/C blows cold, the brakes work well, and the suspension feels taut. Included with the sale are the owner’s manuals and service books, the jack, spare wheel with tire, and the lug wrench.

While certainly not an outright show car, this 280 SE 3.5 is a strong running and freshly re-done nice driver example, boasting a beautiful color combination. Accordingly, in this upwardly trending marketplace, it offers a great opportunity to acquire a very well optioned example of one of the last of Mercedes’ hand-built cars at a reasonable price point. Understandably collectible due to their rarity, quality, and elegance, these cars are proving to be a favored investment vehicles for upwardly mobile collectors looking to preserve capital while enjoying open air motoring elegance with four passengers.

Pricing is firm.