Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz introduced the W111 in 1959 as a broadly-applied
platform that would serve as a replacement for both the
bread-and-butter Ponton sedans as well as the complex and expensive
Adenauer coupes and sedans. The versatile chassis architecture
formed the basis of everything from four-cylinder diesel taxicabs
to luxurious, air-suspended six-cylinder limousines. In 1961, the
be-finned "Heckflosse" sedans were joined by the elegantly styled
two-door coupe and cabriolet. The 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.
The revised styling of the two-door cars was so well received that
it would inspire the Heckflosse's replacement, the W108 of 1965.
The two-door W111 would outlive its finned four-door counterpart by
several years, continuing production through 1971. Handsome and
luxurious, these 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 luxury paired with exceptional build quality; a
Teutonic counterpoint to the opulent Rolls-Royce Corniche. A wide
variety of engines would feature in the W111 but 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. In recent years, the 280 SE has become one of the most
desirable of all post-war Mercedes cars this side of the 300SL.
Collectors have taken notice, and these fine cars are cherished for
their rarity, quality, style and performance. Benefitting from a
recent high-quality restoration, this 1969 280 SE Cabriolet is an
impeccably presented example of Mercedes' definitive luxury grand
touring car. One of just 1,390 open-topped 280 SEs built over a
four year run, this car is finished in its original and elegant
color combination of Sand Beige (DB 467) over Dark Brown leather
(248) with a complementary brown canvas soft top. The bare metal
rotisserie restoration, performed between 2009 and 2011, is
beautifully finished with outstanding paint quality and crisp,
straight panels displaying excellent alignment and gaps. As part of
the restoration, the extensive chrome and bright work was removed
and fully restored, Fit and finish is exquisite, as one should
expect from a properly restored 280 SE. It rides on factory
original steel wheels with color-keyed full wheel covers, shod with
Michelin narrow-band whitewall tires as is correct for the period.
In addition to the body, the interior has been fully restored with
the upholstery, wood trim and brightwork finished to a high
standard. An original high-spec US market car, it is equipped with
numerous desirable options that include electric windows, Frigiking
air conditioning, dual front arm rests and a Becker Grand Prix
AM/FM radio with automatic aerial. The dark brown leather trim is
beautiful; handsomely complementing the paint color and finished
with factory-correct grain and patterns. The seats, carpets and
interior panels show virtually no use since the restoration, the
leather appearing hardly broken in. The soft top has been fully
restored to include the insulated headlining as original, which
helps keep wind noise at a minimum when motoring with the top up,
and a brown leather top boot to keep things tidy with the roof
down. The trunk is correctly finished in satin black, and an
original first-aid kit, owner's manual and a rare factory tool kit
are included. Underhood presentation of the 2.8 liter Bosch
fuel-injected inline six is excellent and up to the standard set by
the rest of the car. Records indicate the engine was rebuilt at
considerable cost as part of the restoration, and was fully
detailed prior to its reinstallation. Notable details include the
gold-cad plated brackets and fuel pipes, firewall insulation pad,
and white-case Mercedes-Benz battery. The impressive appearance of
the engine bay is backed by strong performance and exemplary road
manners. These wonderful cars bridge the modern-era Mercedes with
the classic, hand-crafted models of the 1950s and 60s. Beyond their
historical place in Stuttgart lore, they are simply outstanding
automobiles to drive and own, cherished by collectors and marque
enthusiasts. This fine example is ready for its next owner to
cherish and enjoy covering effortless miles in high style.