Vehicle Description
The magnificent Mercedes-Benz W111 coupe and cabriolet are
considered by many enthusiasts to be among the finest-built and
best-driving luxury cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s. These
handsome and luxurious automobiles were the last truly hand-built
Mercedes-Benz cars, assembled with great care by the expert staff
at Mercedes' storied Sindelfingen works. The glamorous cabriolet
and its elegant coupe sibling offered style and luxury paired with
previously unheard-of levels of build quality. These two-door
variants shared a basic platform and drivetrain with the earlier
four-door "Heckflosse" (fin tail) sedans which date back to the
early 1960s. These sedan's upright styling with somewhat awkward
tail fins was a blatant appeal to the American market, while the
coupe and cabriolet featured more modern, more subdued style that
was considerably more timeless in appearance. Besides the obvious
deletion of the two rear doors, the most significant change to the
styling was that the fins were traded for a more rounded and
arguably better resolved treatment to the rear quarter panels. The
styling of the 280SE 2-door actually inspired that of the
Heckflosse's replacement, the W108, and the two-door W111 would
continue production through 1971, outliving its finned four-door
counterpart by several years. A wide variety of gasoline and diesel
engines would be offered across the range, however, the flagship
coupe and cabriolet were limited mainly to the refined and powerful
inline six-cylinder petrol engines, with an all-aluminum 3.5 liter
V8 joining the range late in production. When equipped with the 2.8
liter Bosch-injected inline six, the 280SE is a massively capable
car; luxurious and comfortable with continent-crushing high-speed
ability. Thanks to the hand-built quality and outstanding road
manners of the 280SE, particularly in cabriolet form, it has become
one of the most desirable of all post-war Mercedes this side of the
300SL. Over the past few years, collectors have taken notice and
values have risen accordingly as these cars are cherished for their
historic significance as much as their on-road ability. We are very
pleased to feature this spectacular 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE; a
striking example of the highly desirable "Low Grille" Cabriolet.
This beautiful SE has been completely restored and is now presented
in the handsome and elegant colors of tobacco brown over palomino
hides with a brown top. It is a gorgeous car that appears to have
been only lightly used since restoration, remaining in fine
condition from top to bottom. The presentation is outstanding, with
straight, crisp bodywork and excellent tobacco brown paint that
exhibits clean reflections and deep gloss. The extensive chrome
trim is in similarly fine order with straight bumpers, window trims
and body d�cor. Rolling stock consists of original steel wheels
with full, color keyed wheel covers and proper narrow-band
whitewall tires. The combination is simple, elegant and factory
correct for this car. Once you open the vault-like door and get
behind the wheel, it is easy to see why the 280SE is held in such
high regard by drivers and collectors alike. The luxurious leather
trimmed chairs are comfortable and supportive, while this example's
dash is graced with fabulously restored burl wood trim and a period
correct Becker Europa radio. Instruments and switchgear are in fine
order, and the car features desirable options such as electric
windows and air conditioning. All controls fall easily to the
driver's hand, and it comfortably seats four adults. The palomino
leather is in excellent condition both front and rear, showing only
minimal creasing from use that imparts an inviting character to the
interior. The wood dash trim, including the windshield surrounds,
is in outstanding condition on this car, having been fully restored
at great cost. A brown Haartz canvas top has been fitted to
complement the paint color. Fit of the top is exemplary, and when
folded, it is covered by a leather boot to match the interior. With
the roof up or down, the 280 SE is equally capable as a
cross-country grand touring car as it is an open air boulevard
cruiser. The trunk is correctly presented with semi-gloss black
paint, an original fluted rubber mat, original jack and lug wrench
and even the original Continental spare tire. Mercedes-Benz's
smooth and torquey 2.8 liter, fuel-injected inline-six is
impeccably presented and highly detailed with correct finishes,
correct fittings, clamps and hardware as well as proper gold cad
plating as original. The engine bay remains very clean, with a new
firewall insulation pad, and beautiful quality paintwork on the
engine accessories and ancillaries. Similarly, the underbody and
chassis have been cleaned and detailed to a high standard. The six
starts easily and runs strong, as one should expect from the proven
and robust M130 engine. Likewise, the transmission shifts well and
the car feels tight, planted and well-sorted out on the road. It is
a distinct pleasure to drive; an automobile that melds classic
styling with a driving experience that feels years ahead of its
time. This 280SE Cabriolet is an outstanding and highly desirable
example that is ready for regular enjoyment either on the road or
in concours events. With its immaculate presentation in handsome
colors, it is sure to satisfy the next owner however they chose to
appreciate its exemplary qualities.