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. If you happen to see one of these beauties, look closely and you will find yourself looking at period perfection. Endowed with qualities respected the world over, its impeccable styling shuns clichés. Mercedes-Benz, above all others, could afford to be true to its own superior standards. Swift, safe and unflappable, the 280SE 3.5 ranked as the most roadworthy automobile you could buy in the fine car field; if you opted for the Cabriolet, you truly set yourself apart.

When this car was built, the Mercedes-Benz viewpoint was that you design the car around the passenger area. People first is a simple idea; their comfort, their safety – and all else falls in place from this first principle. It was the “from-the-inside-out” way of thinking about design that gave the Mercedes-Benz two special advantages: living room interiors that are luxurious and hospitable to all, with safety considerations not found in most any other car of the period. The second is charm to spare throughout – with just a hint of arrogance that you drive the car with the aristocratic nose, a classic profile with the glint of the famous three-pointed star.

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. In the only year that this model was imported into the United States; 802 are reported entering in 1971.