Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
s/n 111 027-12-003049
Tobacco with Parchment Leather Interior

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 car is a US market example that has been in California since approximately 1997 and is desirably equipped with floor shifter and Behr AC. The car received a high quality restoration to very high end driver standards, but is not quite a concours example. The car has seen about $34,000 in expenditure since September of 2012 a few hundred miles ago, including significant rechroming and replacement of chrome parts, new top, significant interior work including redyed rear seats, new carpets, and replacement of heater levers. Four new hub caps were fitted (OEM parts from Mercedes), and a new battery and battery tray (also OEM Mercedes parts) were installed, and a new windscreen fitted. The car was thoroughly serviced as well, with all new soft brake hoses, rebuilt rear calipers, new front rotors and pads, new master cylinder, new front wheel bearings, new front subframe mounts, new left engine mount, rebuilt kingpins, new idler arm, new tie rods, near rear springs and spring pads, new rear trailing arm bushings, new control arm bushings, and new thrust arms. All belts and fluids were changed, new spark plugs and spark plug wires were fitted, the oil and filter changed. The compression was checked and found to be 160psi to 170psi on all eight cylinders.

Cosmetically, the car sparkles. Finished in its increasingly desirable original color of Tobacco, this car has a high quality job over very straight and solid panels. Other than very minor orange peel on the lower side panels, the paintwork is excellent and near show quality. There are virtually no swirl marks or signs of road use. The chrome is generally excellent other than very light pitting on a couple areas such as the trim below the trunk lid and the base of the windscreen frame. The balance of the chrome is excellent. The lights and glass are excellent throughout, including the windscreen, which was recently replaced and was sourced from Mercedes-Benz Classic.

The interior is excellent overall. The front seats were correctly redone and are excellent. The rear seats were redyed and look excellent, but are somewhat hard and there is a small area of cracking on the top of the rear seat. The carpets are excellent, as is the dashboard. The extensive Zebrano wood trim has been beautifully refinished and is excellent other than a slight fit mismatch on the trim at the base of the windscreen. The switches, controls, and instruments are excellent throughout. The car is fitted with floor shifter, Becker Europa radio, Behr air conditioning, and white steering wheel, which is in excellent shape.

The engine compartment is extremely clean and correct, but not over-restored. The attention to detail is excellent throughout. The correct cadmium plating is in place, the firewall is clean and tidy, and the components are correct throughout, from the OEM Mercedes battery to the often-missing rubber retaining bands for the air cleaner housing. The trunk is in excellent shape, with correct rubber mat, solid trunk floor, and tool roll. The undercarriage is rust free and nicely detailed.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an excellent example of one of Mercedes’ last hand-built models. Rare and highly collectable, these cars are unique for their innovation, quality, and are among the few options for those seeking a four place open touring car with space for four full-sized adults, a reasonable amount of baggage, and with modern roadholding and performance. Beautifully restored at tremendous expense, this car is ready to enjoy and comes with invoices for the recent work performed as well as tool roll.

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