Mercedes-Benz 280

SE 3.5 Cabriolet - Restored, Matching

Key Facts:

• One of 1,400 units produced between 1969 and 1971
• Fully restored example
• Benefitting from an engine rebuild in 2012
• Matching numbers example

HISTORY
The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible, produced from 1969 to 1971, stands as one of the most sought-after models in the W111 series, celebrated for its handcrafted quality and sophisticated design. With fewer than 1,400 units ever produced, this rare gem commands respect and admiration, embodying timeless elegance and automotive excellence.

Boasting a graceful and understated design, the 280SE 3.5 Convertible features clean, flowing lines complemented by chrome accents, a large upright grille, and twin round headlights that exude mid-century European styling. The convertible top, available in both manual and powered configurations, folds seamlessly to preserve the car’s iconic silhouette. Built on a robust unibody chassis, the car’s structure blends durability with refined beauty.

Under the hood lies a 3.5-liter V8 engine, Mercedes-Benz’s first-ever production V8. Delivering 200 horsepower and 286 Nm (211 lb-ft) of torque, it ensures smooth and confident acceleration. Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, the engine transfers power to the rear wheels with precision, offering a driving experience that remains enjoyable and engaging.

Owning a Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible is more than just possessing a car—it’s a statement of style and an enduring piece of automotive history that continues to turn heads and inspire awe.

OUR 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Our example was finished in the color Silver Grey Metallic from factory (option code 180), assembled in November 1970 and exported to the USA. According to a letter from Mercedes-Benz, they confirm that the original engine to our example is 11698012002705, which it still retains to this day. Historical records indicate that the vehicle had a single owner in the USA, as per the old Californian title, until 2007. It was subsequently exported to Germany in 2011 and purchased by the renowned restoration expert Rosier Classic Sterne. By this time, the Mercedes-Benz had already been restored.

Rosier refined the vehicle further by removing the American side markers and replacing the miles-based odometer with a kilometer-based one. In March 2012, Rosier sold the car to a German collector at their stand during the Techno Classica Essen exhibition. Later that year, in November 2012, the engine underwent a professional rebuild by Motoren Instandsetzung Oldenburg in Germany. The German collector cherished the 280SE until June 2022, when it passed into the care of its next European owner.

Now presented in stunning restored condition, this 280SE exemplifies the timeless craftsmanship of German engineering. Its exceptional build quality ensures a driving experience that is both luxurious and serene, offering unparalleled comfort and a feeling of complete detachment from the outside world.

Our 280SE is available for inspection by appointment at our showroom in Munich. The car is on European taxes paid status.