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1971 Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet

1971 Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet – $125,000

One of the last hand-built cars from Mercedes shows refinement in the interior, as well as in the fit and finish. The 280 3.5 Cabriolet is sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

History

In, 1967, the 280 series cars were introduced with the new M130 strait-six engine. With a carburetor, the new alloy power plant was good for close to 140hp. Increased power, better fuel economy and greater drivability were standard equipment with the fuel-injected 280SE that also came along that year. But there was more power in store for the 280 in 1970 when it was shown in Amsterdam with a 3.5-liter V8 rated at 230hp. From the outside, little more than badges gave the 280SE 3.5 away as being something very much out of the ordinary.

Supremely elegant, the 280SE 3.5 Coupe featured luxurious upholstery trimmed with fine leather, rich carpeting and highly polished wood veneers, and the build quality second to none. Underneath the restrained skin was a very sophisticated package, which included the injected V-8, ZF four-speed automatic transmission, fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Power steering, brakes and windows were also standard.

A year before this car was built, Janis Joplin famously sang “O Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz.” References such as this reflect the high esteem in which these automobiles have been held since their earliest days and one or the wonderful bi-products for collectors today is that when people afford the best they can buy, it is all the more difficult to part with. It is for this reason that it is possible to find a Mercedes such as this car passed down from generation to generation, each branch of a family following the same aspiration. Of course, the beauty of a Mercedes is that the cars themselves survive the generation because of their sheer quality, and their once futuristic performance remains current.

The present owner purchased this car in 1996. It is reported to have had six owners. This example has undergone a color change from Moss Green Metallic to Tunis Beige Metallic, while keeping the same interior Champagne color. The current owner has spared no expense keeping the car in perfect working order. This is a great piece of Mercedes history and a superb example to add to anyone’s collection.

Specifications

Chassis: 11102712003957

Engine: 3.5 liter V8 with Bosch electronic fuel injection producing 200bhp

Transmission: ZF four-speed automatic

Brakes: Power assisted disc

Color: Tunis Beige Metallic/Champaign

Miles: 56,000

Price: $125,000