Vehicle Description
The graceful and stylish Mercedes-Benz W111 "SE" served as the
company's flagship production model from the 1960s and into the
early 1970s. The four-seat coupes and cabriolets outlived their
sedan stablemates by several years, thanks mainly to the timeless,
sophisticated styling by the great designer Paul Bracq. These cars
were meticulously assembled and hand-finished to a very high
standard in the legendaryWerk Sindelfingenusing the finest
materials and fittings available. The W111 offered quality, luxury,
and style on par with automobiles like the vastly more expensive
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow while delivering the refinement and
engineering excellence that Mercedes-Benz buyers expected. The
superb 1969 280SE Cabriolet offered here is presented in the
beautiful and rarely seen original colors of light ivory over
cognac leather trim with a dark brown top. The subject of a
nut-and-bolt restoration, this desirable and elegant cabriolet was
finished to concours quality standards and has seen light and
careful use since it was restored. The factory data cards confirm
this is the correct original color scheme, and the quality of
paintwork and detailing is outstanding. The body's subtle feature
lines are crisp, and panel alignment is precise and true to factory
standards. Exterior brightwork is in good order, with some light
fading noted in a few areas but otherwise displaying excellent fit.
Wheels are the proper 14-inch steels fitted color-keyed wheel
covers and correct narrow-band whitewall radials. The gorgeous
interior is a particular highlight of this car. Richly appointed in
factory-correct Cognac leather, it has been beautifully maintained
since its restoration. The seats feature the correct patterns and
perforated centers, and they appear exceptionally well kept. Tan
carpets are tidy and neatly installed. The soft top is fully lined
and insulated and covered in the correct shade of dark brown German
canvas (code 746). Original VDO instruments sit in a beautifully
restored dash featuring superb woodwork and leather covering.
Equipment includes optional Behr air conditioning, a column-shift
automatic transmission, and a nicely integrated, modern AM/FM/AUX
stereo with period styling. Accompanying the sale are service
records, original VIN-stamped manuals, data cards, and the warranty
plate. Powering this car is the original, numbers-matching, 2,778
cc inline-six with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. The engine was
reportedly rebuilt at the time of the restoration, and the
presentation is excellent, displaying correct finishes, paint
colors, and restored yellow cad-plated hardware. The undercarriage
is also very tidy and well-detailed with proper satin black
finishing and re-created assembly markings. It runs and drives as
expected of a high-level restoration, with the solidity and
refinement expected of a Mercedes-Benz of this era. Mercedes-Benz
produced just over 1,300 280 SE Cabrios between 1967 and 1971, and
they stand among the most desirable postwar models this side of a
300 SL. This marvelous example benefits attentive care in the hands
of its most recent owner and remains in outstanding order
throughout. It is well suited to enjoy on club events and regional
concours while offering all of the effortless performance expected
from these eminently gratifying driver's cars. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6721-1969-mercedes-benz-280se-cabriolet/
