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 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 superb 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
decor. 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 exceptionally clean, with a new firewall insulation
pad, a new Mercedes brand battery, 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. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
