Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
s/n 111.027-12-000974
Silver with Navy Blue 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, so they have always been rare.

This particular example was sold new in California in May of 1970 and has been here since new. Its original owner was Bud Romak, who specified a column shifted example, which he and his wife preferred. Mr. Romak was a well-known Bay Area enthusiast who owned much exotic machinery including a Lamborghini Miura and a street-registered Lola T70. After several years, Mr. Romak traded the car in on another Mercedes, and his son was eventually able to reacquire the car many years later from a fellow who owns a local independent well-known Mercedes shop. Under the care of the junior Romak, the car received some restorative work by Berndt Fiebig, owner of a highly-regarded Mercedes restoration shop known for its superlative attention to detail. The car was repainted about ten years ago, and the front seats were reupholstered. The engine was removed for servicing and many small items were addressed. A new fuel tank was also fitted. The current owner of the car acquired it a few years ago and has had the car regularly serviced to ensure that it is a properly sorted example. This included having the wood on the top of the dashboard and around the windscreen refinished, and regular servicing. The car comes with full manual pack including service booklet, owner’s manual, parts catalog, paperwork associated with the Becker radio, and various other items.

Cosmetically, the car is a very nice example. It was repainted to high standards about ten years ago, and has only a few signs of wear in the form of a few small chips and scratches. The body is straight, rust-free, and has great gaps and fit. The chrome is very good on the whole, though it is showing some signs of aging on the rear bumper and rear trim. The glass and lamps are very nice, as is the top, which looks very smart in dark blue.

The interior is predominantly original, aside from the front seats, which have been reupholstered, and the wood around the windscreen, which has been refinished. The seats were reupholstered to extremely high standards employing the correct perforation and pleating patterns. The interior is otherwise original and the car has a period Becker radio. The rear seats, door panels, and carpets are all well-preserved, and the remaining dash wood is very nice. The instruments and switches are in very good overall shape.

The trunk is impressively nice. It still has a factory smell to it, and the rubber mats are all in place. The spare has been detailed and there is an overall crispness that is very pleasing. The engine compartment is tidy and correct, and has an honest feel that is consistent with the rest of the car. It was restored and detailed some years ago and now has the appearance of a car that has been used but not abused.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely solid eight-cylinder 280 SE cabriolet. The color combination is ideal, while the long time California history adds further appeal. The car is extremely attractive and has great presence, and high quality four-place open cars are difficult to find. This example looks and performs very nicely and would be a great example to use and enjoy.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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