Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
s/n 11102712003206
Papyrus White with Navy Blue 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 has fantastic history, having spent its entire life in Southern California. It was sold new at Hollywood Mercedes-Benz to a woman from Encino, California. Her husband had a matching 280SE 3.5 Coupe, also in papyrus white with navy blue interior. They retained the car into the early 1990s, although their son became increasingly involved in its upkeep, and it became his around that time. He retained the car until 1997, at which point he sold the car to its next keeper, a man residing in Beverly Hills, who kept the car for about 15 years. The current owner is a resident of Santa Barbara, making this essentially a three-owner Southern California car from new. The current owner is a Mercedes collector and has maintained the car well and it runs and drives very well. It has recently received five new tires. It is a structurally excellent car that has never had any metal work, and retains its original Roser interior. It has covered 133,000 miles from new and has seen one repaint, which likely looked quite sharp when it was first done, but now shows some flaws. It comes with scans of its original data cards, confirming that it wears its original color combination, and also has extensive documentation with more than 35 years of service records and its original manual pack including owner’s manual, warranty book, dealer directory, Becker radio booklet and warranty card, Kangol safety belt pamphlet, and original Mercedes car care products brochure.

The body itself is extremely straight and solid, with very nice panel fit, gaps, and operation. The paint is glossy but does show some bridging in places, as well as some cracks and minor chips. The chrome and bright work are very good with light pitting and dullness in a few places. The glass and lights are excellent aside from some delamination of the front windscreen at one edge.

Considering its originality, the original interior is excellent overall, with nicely mellowed leather, excellent carpets, and very nice dashboard. Aside from some fading to the wood atop the dash on the passenger’s side, the extensive wood trim is excellent. The dashboard upholstery, instruments, and various controls are in excellent shape. The door panels are also in excellent original condition and the Becker Europa radio is still in place. The car is fitted with Behr air conditioning, which blows cold. The visors are showing some deterioration to the leather.

The engine compartment is fundamentally unrestored, but has seen some freshening in the form of a refinished air filter housing and new cadmium plating to various components. The inner fenders and the engine itself are in nice unrestored condition, with minor aging and dirt, but a lovely, honest feel. The trunk is also unrestored and correct in appearance, with correct rubber mats in nice shape. The floors, which tend to be vulnerable to rust, are in excellent shape.

The car runs and drives very well. It starts easily and is one of the most responsive and lively 3.5s we have encountered in recent memory. The gearbox shifts positively but is not as seamless or smooth as modern ones of course. The brakes are effective, and the steering and suspension are free of slop and play, giving the car a surprisingly nimble feel. Additionally, the AC blows ice cold. In short, it is a effortless car to use in modern traffic, with a refined, effortless feel that reflects Mercedes’ legendary engineering reputation, particularly during this period.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally solid 3.5 Cabriolet that has never had any metal work. With few owners and Southern California history from new, this is a fundamentally undisturbed example that retains its original interior and is ready to be enjoyed. It is also a pleasure to drive, making this an ideal 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.

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