1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
HIGHLIGHTS
Offered From 41-Year Single-Family Ownership
Desirable Cabriolet V8 Combination
Optioned with Factory Air Conditioning
Retains its Original Leather Interior
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis Number - XXXXXX
Engine – 3.5L, V8 Cylinder
Gearbox – 4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWS
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
With more than a century of engineering and design leadership, Mercedes-Benz continues to engage collectors and enthusiasts alike with ongoing contemporary achievements and support from their Mercedes-Benz Classic division. Introduced in 1970, the 280SE was a fresh and handsome design, offered in both coupe and convertible body styles each of which reflected refined lines and elegant amenities. The 280SE was immediately appealing to customers seeking quality workmanship and bespoke accessories in a capable but elegant package.
The body was designed with a clean and unified grille delivering the right blend of tradition and modernity to the new look. Under the hood, the upgraded Bosch fuel-injected 3.5 Liter V8 engine delivered stout performance and comfort on highway drives. State-of-the-art 4-wheel disc brakes, coil-sprung independent suspension, and a welcome series of convenience options made for a very engaging package, especially in the cabriolet. Often the go-to classic in many top tier collections, new generations continue to discover the ease of use, spacious interior, and ample luggage space ideal combinations for families participating in vintage events and tours.
This Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet was purchased by the current owner’s parents in 1984. Service documents dating back to purchase included mileage records beginning at 77,235 as recorded on the current title and reflected on successive service documents. Services performed by Europa Imports, Winnetka, Illinois continued through the 1980s and 1990s, including a comprehensive 1994 rebuild for the engine which included a replacement short block. In 2014, the car returned to Europa Imports for body and paint work including the replacement of the floors and rocker panels with new sheet metal. While paint and metal work was being completed, mechanical items were also addressed including new front and rear shock absorbers, new rear springs, suspension bushings, hoses, and fittings, refinishing the fuel tank, new front and rear brake pads, rotors, and wheel bearings, a new starter, new fuel pump, new battery, and a complete stainless-steel exhaust. Ongoing care and attention to detail have continued throughout the more recent portion of this 41-year period of current ownership including regular fluid changes, and services as needed. The car currently displays 82,231 leisurely accrued miles with recent use limited to local events, family outings, and car shows.
Today this 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet presents as a beautiful example ready for enjoyable use, vintage shows, or club tours. The paint is very nice overall and was clearly applied with care. Always stored indoors, the finish has been properly maintained over the years of careful ownership. The doors shut with that distinctive Mercedes-Benz precision sound, the hood and trunk lids have excellent panel lines, and the chrome bumpers and trim are in excellent condition. The car is outfitted with a set of factory steel wheels with polished wheel covers accented with body color centers and a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tires. The warm toned exterior and complementary leather interior evokes a stately presence, elegantly conveying this highly refined and enduring luxury convertible design.
The interior is remarkably fine especially considering it is factory original. Fit and finish are quite nice – a tribute to the original build quality and durability of Mercedes-Benz materials. The front leather seats display warmly aged patina but remain supple, with excellent sheen and proper piping lines. The rear seats, spared by infrequent use, are very nice as are the door panels, all of which are original and remarkably nice considering more than half a century has passed since this Cabriolet was delivered new. The carpeting is protected by a set of new carpet floor mats. The steering wheel is beautifully presented, authentically aged, but displaying no separations on the rim. The center pad is in excellent condition surrounded by a smooth chrome horn ring. The dash is particularly nice showing beautifully finished wood, clear lacquer, and splendidly detailed instrumentation. All switches, knobs, and various controls operate smoothly with excellent cosmetic presentation. The trunk is very nicely finished with correct materials, spare tire, and proper tools.
Under the hood, the engine compartment and engine have been properly maintained and serviced with attention to detail including replicating correct factory finishes, hardware, hoses, and lines after the correct replacement engine was rebuilt and installed. The undercarriage and chassis components are well maintained and impressively clean including excellent suspension components, engine castings, stainless-steel exhaust, and correct factory hardware.
Behind the wheel, this Mercedes-Benz continues to impress as a delightfully drivable classic. The stately presence and superb ride is enhanced by smooth and ample power delivery, while impressively accelerating when demands are made on the capable 3.5-liter engine. When cruising at comfortable speeds, the smooth shifting, easy handling, and confident braking bring confidence to any journey, Mercedes-Benz club tours, or family outings. This beautiful cabriolet is offered with a factory owner’s manual, tools, jack, matching spare tire, top boot, and selected service records dating back to 1984.
For anyone seeking a factory built 3.5 Cabriolet with known long-term ownership, regular services, and cosmetic/mechanical condition that can be readily enjoyed, this Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible will transport delighted passengers with elegance and style just as it has for the past half century.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
