Vehicle Description
The magnificentMercedes-Benz W111coupe 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
