In terms of luxury convertibles in 1971, there was no finer choice in the world than the 280 SE 3.5 cabriolet. It was the fastest, most luxurious, and most expensive convertible offered by Mercedes-Benz, aone of the finest automobile manufacturers in the world at the time.
The 280 SE 3.5 appealed, then as now, to those who appreciate the highest quality and most special motorcars, and the 3.5 cabriolet more than lived up to those expectations. The outside of the 280 SE 3.5 closely resembles the six-cylinder 280, but the similarities end there. The top-of-the-line model offered 233 bhp provided by the newly introduced powerful 3.5-liter M116 V-8. This propelled the car to 60 mph in under 10 seconds and could reach a top speed of 130 mph. That was, and still is, a very respectable performance for a full-size luxury convertible. Inside the car, passengers are treated to the level of understated elegance that one would expect in a car of this caliber. Burled walnut dashboards and beautiful leather seating ensured that the passengers not only drove in style, but in utmost comfort. The 3.5 cabriolets are one of the most refined, powerful and elegant cars ever put forth by the great Mercedes Benz company.
This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 is one of 1,232 cabriolets built in total and one of just 802 that were reportedly brought into the U.S. It has been treated to a perfect restoration and is one of the most beautiful and incredibly sorted examples that exists. Acquired in 2005 from its second owner of 29 years, immense amounts of restoration work was carried out under subsequent ownership from 2006 onward included a flawless repaint in the original metallic red, replating the chrome trim, reupholstering the interior to better than factory quality but to original specifications, a transmission rebuild, and more. The splash guards have been refinished, the water pump replaced, and other service has recently been carried out. This 280SE is offered with manufacturer’s literature and supplements, a tool kit, over 65 pages of records, a Mercedes-Benz Zertifikat, and a clean title.
The car was finished in red metallic (571) from the factory, and was stripped and repainted by The Last Detail of Chicago in 2019 at a cost of more than $60k alone just for paint! Invoices for the paint and bodywork are included and additional invoices from Black Forest LLC in Wisconsin note replating of the chrome. Overall this is one of the best 280SE 3.5 convertibles you will ever see. If you are looking for an exquisite Mercedes Benz convertible, this very rare and very perfect 3.5 cabriolet should certainly be considered.
