Exceedingly rare and crafted in the finest German tradition, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is among the last of the company’s genuinely hand-built masterpieces. Featuring a mighty 3.5-liter V-8 engine, sumptuous leather upholstery, an insulated, carefully tailored soft top, and genuine solid hardwood trim, the 280 SE 3.5 delivers a driving experience marked by exceptional ride quality and handling that remain impressive even today.

Unquestionably among the most thoroughly documented examples available, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is said to wear its factory Light Ivory finish over Cognac leather upholstery. The car’s accompanying original window sticker confirms an impressive array of factory equipment, including air conditioning, power windows, a center folding armrest, Becker Europa stereo radio, tinted glass, and whitewall tires. Delivered new to Los Angeles, this handsome Cabriolet was sold through Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard to its original owner on 26 April 1971. The original maintenance booklet further attests to conscientious care, recording regular servicing at Mercedes-Benz facilities through September 1976, at which time the odometer displayed approximately 75,000 miles.

After four decades with its original owner, the Cabriolet was sold to Mercedes-Benz specialist Scott Melnick, who refreshed the Cognac leather interior and beige soft top before selling it to a prominent American automotive collection in 2016. The car has since been carefully enjoyed and meticulously maintained, with service invoices documenting regular upkeep prior to the consignor’s acquisition in 2022. Since then, the consignor has added a beltline pinstripe and chrome wheel lip trim moldings for a subtle, yet striking touch of flair. The car is accompanied by its original data card, owner identification plate, window sticker, manuals, service booklet, trim tag, tool roll, and California registration records tracing its history back to the original purchase.

Desirable when new and no less coveted today, Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolets such as this exude timeless, understated luxury—an automotive expression of taste appealing equally to both devoted Mercedes-Benz connoisseurs as to those who simply cherish the art of hand-crafted excellence.