To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$270,000 - $300,000
- Considered to be Mercedes-Benz's last truly hand-built
automobile
- One of only 1,232 280SE 3.5 Cabriolets produced from 1969
through 1971
- Tobacco brown over a beige interior; dark brown top
- Equipped with Becker Europa radio, Behr air conditioning, and
column shift
- Accompanied by owner's manuals, tools and spare, and
convertible top boot
In many respects, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet represents
the best of all possible worlds for enthusiasts of the marque's
postwar offerings. Its styling, which initially debuted in 1961,
was instantly timeless; the addition of a 3.5-liter V-8 for the
1969 model year added modern power to the equation. Making use of
the Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection system, this new
engine produced 197 horsepower. A low, wide grille (dubbed the
flachk�hler, German for "flat cooler") helped keep the V-8 cool
while bringing the car up to date visually; it meshes seamlessly
with the car's classic lines.
Moreover, all 280 SE 3.5 Coupes and Cabriolets were hand-built by
skilled craftsmen-the last Mercedes-Benz models to be assembled in
this time-tested manner. The attention paid to the Cabriolet's
convertible top reveals the attention to detail found throughout
the chassis. Fully lined in the traditional stacked German
cabriolet manner, the top folded electrically into six layers of
cloth insulation and padding. When closed, the top was nearly 1 �
inches thick, giving the car superior insulation and soundproofing.
The framework of the convertible top was concealed from view by a
full interior headliner. Each top reportedly required more than
sixteen hours of hand labor.
Due to these uncompromising, labor-intensive production methods, it
is said that Mercedes-Benz built just 13 of these cars per week
between 1969 and 1971; in total, a mere 1,232 examples of the 280
SE 3.5 Cabriolet were produced.
Dating from the final year of production, this 1971 280 SE 3.5
Cabriolet is one such car. According to the consignor, it has spent
the past several decades, if not longer, in California. Thanks to
both this dry and hospitable climate and the diligence of its prior
owners, the car boasts a clean and well-preserved undercarriage and
a similarly tidy engine compartment; bodywork is straight, with
consistent panel gaps throughout. A coat of rich Tobacco exterior
finish, said to have been applied within the past four years, still
presents very nicely overall, and it is wonderfully complimented by
a dark brown convertible top that is likewise in excellent
condition.
Top up or down, this car's beige-trimmed interior is a lovely place
to be. Seating surfaces and door panels are in good overall
condition, another indication of the care the car received over the
decades. The intricate, nicely patinated dashboard features a suite
of jewel-like VDO gauges, with Becker Europa radio front and center
for entertainment. Further, this example was desirably delivered
with factory Behr air conditioning-a feature sure to be appreciated
by potential owners in warmer climates. For added convenience, the
car is also equipped with power steering and a column-mounted
shifter for its automatic transmission.
Desirable when new and no less coveted today, Mercedes-Benz 280 SE
3.5 Cabriolets such as this are equally suitable for dedicated
connoisseurs of the marque, as well as those who simply appreciate
the best of classic, hand-crafted luxury. The car is accompanied by
owner's manuals, tools and spare tire, and a top boot for use
during open-air driving.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0620.