Don’t expect to see a Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet amongst the crowd every day; even when brand new, this was recognized as a car of distinction that many experts considered to be the best overall automobile offering in the world. Such one example from 1971, will be offered on sale by Auctions America on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at its Santa Monica Collector Car Auction.
Beautifully restored and refurbished by Mercedes-Benz marque specialists; this exceptional two owner car displays slightly over 81,000 gently driven miles on its odometer. Finished in the rich tone of Silver, it is perfectly complemented by a Dark Navy blue interior and matching soft-top. This fine example has been cherished by its owner and has been maintained in excellent condition. It shows exceptionally and the interior, including the generous wood trim elements presents nicely. This can also be said of the tidy condition attributed the engine bay and trunk space.
Among the featured equipment is the stout 3,499-cc, 230-hp V-8 engine that is paired to an automatic transmission that will propel this luxury tourer to a respectable 130-mph. Additionally the 280SE has four-wheel disc brakes, Behr factory air conditioning, VDO instrumentation, blue top boot, soft-top inner liner, Mercedes-Benz seatbelts, whitewall tires, foglights and the recognizable three-pointed star on the wheel covers. Included are the original manuals, spare and tools.
Production began in August 1969 and continued through July 1971. Total production in 24 months was the very modest number of 3,270 coupes and 1,232 cabriolets. In the only year that this model was imported into the United States; 802 are reported entering in 1971. The car will be offered without reserve.