Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Highlights
Data & Facts
This Automobile
This Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 convertible was manufactured in April 1970 according to the available data card and was then sent to the USA for first delivery. The original colour scheme was grey-blue metallic (colour code 906) with a leather interior (code 245) and soft top in blue. The car still bears this extremely attractive and elegant colour scheme today. The factory equipment included a Behr air conditioning system, electric windows and a Becker radio.
The vehicle remained in the USA until 2014. From the mid-1980s, information on the maintenance history in California is available from experienced specialist workshops. Between 2006 and 2007, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration and overhaul at a cost of USD 50,000. In the course of this, the paintwork was renewed. The leather interior including carpet and the zebrano wood trim as well as the soft top were also refurbished.
The cabriolet came to Germany in 2014 and has had three owners to date. Almost 20 years later, everything is still in very good condition and in perfect working order. The body has clean gaps with tight-fitting doors and bonnets. In addition, the trim and add-on parts fit perfectly.
The paintwork has a fine structure with a beautiful lustre. The chrome trim is complete and very well cared for. Overall, this example gives a high-quality impression both inside and outside, which is also due to the low mileage since the restoration. The engine is still the original unit and ‘matching numbers’. The engine compartment and ancillary units make a solid and well-maintained impression. The same applies to the underbody and the chassis. Various invoices for service and minor maintenance work as well as the latest MOT reports are available from recent years.
Thanks to its excellent technical and visual condition, this “flat radiator” cabriolet is an excellent example for connoisseurs of the dignified elegance of Mercedes. It makes for relaxed driving and enjoyment and, in particular, provides classic car pleasure for the whole family, even on longer trips and journeys.
Model History
The elegant coupé and cabriolet of the W111 series was first introduced in 1961 as the 220 SEb Coupé. The simple yet impressive design penned by Friedrich Geiger and Paul Bracq marked a turning point in Mercedes styling away from the baroque opulence of the 1950s. There was a lot more hand-made work in the small-series coupes and convertibles than in the W111 sedans.
The series was continuously technically optimized. On the powertrain side, the 150-hp 2.5-liter engine of the 250 SE was introduced in 1965. Another new feature was the hydropneumatic compensating spring on the rear axle, which was fitted in place of the previous coil spring and kept the level of the body constant regardless of the load. In January 1968, it was succeeded by the 280 SE, which featured a newly developed 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine with 160 hp.
In 1969, the 3.5 litre V8 engine with 200 hp made its debut as a completely new development. This was accompanied by a flatter engine hood and lower radiator grille, which led to the (unofficial) designation "flat radiator" as opposed to "high radiator". In this way, Mercedes demonstrated what was technically feasible at the time and substantiated its claim to be the designer and manufacturer of the "best automobile". Incidentally, this series was very popular with many celebrities and stars as a sophisticated coupé and cabriolet.
Production of the W111 (and W112) coupés and cabriolets ended in summer of 1971. A total of 7,013 examples of the convertibles had been built, only 1,232 of them with the powerful 3.5 litre V8 engine in the last two years.
This Automobile
This Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 convertible was manufactured in April 1970 according to the available data card and was then sent to the USA for first delivery. The original colour scheme was grey-blue metallic (colour code 906) with a leather interior (code 245) and soft top in blue. The car still bears this extremely attractive and elegant colour scheme today. The factory equipment included a Behr air conditioning system, electric windows and a Becker radio.
The vehicle remained in the USA until 2014. From the mid-1980s, information on the maintenance history in California is available from experienced specialist workshops. Between 2006 and 2007, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration and overhaul at a cost of USD 50,000. In the course of this, the paintwork was renewed. The leather interior including carpet and the zebrano wood trim as well as the soft top were also refurbished.
The cabriolet came to Germany in 2014 and has had three owners to date. Almost 20 years later, everything is still in very good condition and in perfect working order. The body has clean gaps with tight-fitting doors and bonnets. In addition, the trim and add-on parts fit perfectly. The paintwork has a fine structure with a beautiful lustre. The chrome trim is complete and very well cared for. Overall, this example gives a high-quality impression both inside and outside, which is also due to the low mileage since the restoration. The engine is still the original unit and ‘matching numbers’. The engine compartment and ancillary units make a solid and well-maintained impression. The same applies to the underbody and the chassis. Various invoices for service and minor maintenance work as well as the latest MOT reports are available from recent years.
Thanks to its excellent technical and visual condition, this “flat radiator” cabriolet is an excellent example for connoisseurs of the dignified elegance of Mercedes. It makes for relaxed driving and enjoyment and, in particular, provides classic car pleasure for the whole family, even on longer trips and journeys.
Model History
The elegant coupé and cabriolet of the W111 series was first introduced in 1961 as the 220 SEb Coupé. The simple yet impressive design penned by Friedrich Geiger and Paul Bracq marked a turning point in Mercedes styling away from the baroque opulence of the 1950s. There was a lot more hand-made work in the small-series coupes and convertibles than in the W111 sedans.
The series was continuously technically optimized. On the powertrain side, the 150-hp 2.5-liter engine of the 250 SE was introduced in 1965. Another new feature was the hydropneumatic compensating spring on the rear axle, which was fitted in place of the previous coil spring and kept the level of the body constant regardless of the load. In January 1968, it was succeeded by the 280 SE, which featured a newly developed 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine with 160 hp.
In 1969, the 3.5 litre V8 engine with 200 hp made its debut as a completely new development. This was accompanied by a flatter engine hood and lower radiator grille, which led to the (unofficial) designation "flat radiator" as opposed to "high radiator". In this way, Mercedes demonstrated what was technically feasible at the time and substantiated its claim to be the designer and manufacturer of the "best automobile". Incidentally, this series was very popular with many celebrities and stars as a sophisticated coupé and cabriolet.
Production of the W111 (and W112) coupés and cabriolets ended in summer of 1971. A total of 7,013 examples of the convertibles had been built, only 1,232 of them with the powerful 3.5 litre V8 engine in the last two years.