Chassis No.
111.027.12.000301
| Zurich, Switzerland
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
CHF220,000 - CHF280,000 | Not Sold
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- European-specification example built during the penultimate year of production
- Wears its factory colours of Silver Grey Metallic with a Black roof and Black interior
- Desirably equipped with a floor-shift automatic transmission and electric windows; benefits from the May 2012 installation of air conditioning by Mercedes-Benz
- Retains its matching-numbers 3.5-litre V-8 engine; factory rated for 200 horsepower
- Documented by its Mercedes-Benz data card and 2023-24 Kessel workshop invoices totalling over 30,000 CHF
Sitting at the top of the contemporary Mercedes-Benz range, the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was equal parts glamorous, sophisticated, and sufficiently practical to be driven on a daily basis. Suitably expensive when new and largely built by hand, the model followed in the great tradition of German craftsmanship.
Performance was also ample, courtesy of the 3.5-litre V-8 engine developing 200 horsepower to achieve a top speed of 127 mph—when paired with the automatic transmission option. A statement in style, it tempted many a famous owner, including Ralph Lauren, Cher, Roy Orbison, Frank Sinatra, and Tom Hanks.
Built during the penultimate year of production for the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet, this European-specification example was completed by the Stuttgart factory wearing Silver Grey Metallic paintwork complemented by a Black leather interior further to featuring wood trim and a Black fabric roof. Per the accompanying Mercedes-Benz data card, the car was configured with an automatic transmission operated by a floor-mounted shifter, driver’s side mirror, high-capacity battery, and electric windows. It was first registered for road use on 3 March 1970.
The 280 SE 3.5 has most recently resided in Switzerland. It presents beautifully in its factory-correct Silver Grey Metallic over Black colour combination, enhanced courtesy of a September 2023 repaint by Kessel. Invoices from the famed workshop in Grancia are available to view on file and total in excess of 30,000 CHF, with the repaint bolstered by the replating of chrome finishers. In addition, the brakes and shock absorbers were bench tested.
Furthermore, the Cabriolet retains its matching-numbers 3.5-litre M116 V-8 engine and additionally benefits from a May 2012 return to Mercedes-Benz for the installation of air conditioning.
Thoughtfully specified and timelessly elegant, this 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is offered from long-term ownership and stands proud as a highly appealing entry into any classic car collection, worthy of sharing the limelight with a 540 K or 300 SL under the care of a new custodian.
