Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 111/560 Cabriolet
s/n 111 025 12 003993
Black with Cognac 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.

As delivered new, this particular example was a US specification car with desirable options and equipment including floor shift automatic transmission, Behr air conditioning, power windows, power brakes, and power steering. Owned by the same gentleman from 1973 to 2008, it had always been maintained properly.

Recently, however, this example has undergone a unique metamorphous in that it now blends the modern performance attributes of the 560 SL/SEL/SEC drive train, with the classic beauty and build quality of the 111 chassis. Few miles have been logged since the conversion from its original six cylinder configuration. At the time of installation, the 560 engine and transmission had covered just 60,000 miles, and to ensure top performance, the heads were rebuilt prior to installation. The 560 transmission is mated to a 6.3 Mercedes rear end, making higher speed freeway cruising all the more pleasurable. The car received a full-on restoration, with fresh paintwork, all new interior including the dash and console wood, a brand new top, and totally refinished brightwork. The car has an “as-new” presentation inside and out, and appears entirely stock from the outside.

One of the flagship models in its day, the 280SE Convertible remains a sought-after and collectible car today. This example, with its modern 560 drive train, will appeal to the performance minded classic Mercedes enthusiast who has always dreamt about undertaking such a project, but never had the pieces in place to do so.

More information to follow…

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608