230 bhp, 3,499 cc overhead cam fuel-injected V-8 engine, four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 108.3 in.

• One of 68 RHD examples

• Desirable floor-shift automatic

• Last of the hand-built Mercedes-Benzes

In 1968, the “New Generation” of upscale Mercedes-Benz S-Class models débuted. These carefully refined five-passenger automobiles continued a tradition of handcrafted quality and superior engineering, while their formal styling remains a design benchmark. The cabriolet’s padded folding top required 16 hours of labour to complete, while its chassis featured advanced design and structural reinforcements, providing immense rigidity and safety.

Introduced in 1970, the Mercedes 280SE 3.5 cabriolet was identical to the standard 280SE cabriolet, with the exception of the engine. In place of the modest, standard issue inline six-cylinder engine, customers enjoyed spirited performance from an all-new 3.5-litre V-8 that offered more than a 25 per cent increase in power.

Referred to as the “engine of tomorrow” by Mercedes, the company threw much of its technical prowess into making the engine both smooth and powerful. With an over-square combustion chamber, aluminium alloy cylinder heads, a cast iron block, and featuring Bosch electronic fuel injection, as well as transistorized ignition, power output was a healthy 230 horsepower. This helped propel the 280SE 3.5 to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds.

The comprehensive list of amenities included power steering, power brakes, a stereo, a radio, air conditioning, electric windows, and an automatic transmission. Further luxuries aimed at pleasing up to five passengers included a genuine leather interior and beautifully polished wood trim. Only 4,502 of these cars, in both coupé and cabriolet form, were sold between 1969 and 1971. A part from the Mercedes top-of-the-line 600 series, this car was the flagship model in the line-up.

This absolutely stunning 280SE cabriolet is finished in Silver Mink with a full black hide interior. It features new charcoal carpets, as well as a new black German mohair hood with new headlining, interlining, and padding. Furthermore, this example is equipped with the optional and desirable floor-shift automatic transmission, as well as electric windows with Sundym glass. It has been fastidiously maintained throughout its life. Most recently, it was taken down to bare metal and refinished by renowned marque specialist Nigel Cooper. Included in the cars file are a number of invoices, as well as a collection of tax discs and MoT certificates. This car is one of only 68 right-hand drive examples ever built, making it one of the very rarest of all coachbuilt Mercedes-Benz cabriolets. Many astute collectors feel that 280SE 3.5 cabriolets are among the best looking and most collectible cars of the era. These extremely comfortable tourers offer their owners the optimum amount of performance and comfort and are considered highly usable classics.