For Sale: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 in Scotts Valley, California

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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
VIN: 111.027-12-003507

Fantastic survivor example, 28,933 original miles
Wonderfully preserved, highly original throughout
2 owner car since new
Includes original dealer invoice, copy of original data card, original service booklet, owner's manual and documentation, and more
100% original interior, trim, chrome, moulding, and underside
Recent complete and extensive bare-metal concours-level respray of factory-correct Glasurit silver metallic paint
Desirable Mercedes-Benz 3.5L V8 engine
Extremely desirable option set of electric windows with Behr air conditioning
Silver metallic with blue leather interior, blue soft top

Special items that are passed down for generations usually have a unique reason that makes them cherished from the first day that they're owned. Oftentimes in the collector car world, many people refer to themselves as "caretakers" instead of owners, understanding that they are keeping their prized possession in the same loved condition as before them, realizing that eventually they will part with it. This sense of greater purpose for the item, along with careful use and preservation with the understanding of keeping it for future generations, can lead to some of the finest examples of original vehicles. This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is an example of different caretakers taking care of the car for its entire life, resulting in an extremely original sample that transports you back in time.

This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was purchased by Edna Conway on behalf of her husband, Charles, of Convent Station, New Jersey on July 11th, 1971 from Powers Motor Company, Inc. in Morristown, New Jersey. According to the original dealer invoice, it was spec'd in the beautiful and optional silver metallic paint with a blue leather interior and blue canvas top. Being a 3.5, it was equipped with the desirable and smooth 3.5L V8 engine that provided ample power and effortless cruising. Included was also the coveted Behr factory air conditioning system, electric windows, and was also optioned with a factory limited slip differential. An expensive vehicle, the MSRP in 1971 was $15,567.30, which in comparison was almost 50% more than a Porsche 911S at the time! According to handwritten notes, Conway purchased the car in cash.

Charles Conway, a successful businessperson, was the vice president of Cosmopolitan Shipping Company in New York City. A former marine, he and his wife Edna would end up keeping the Mercedes-Benz in their family for over 30 years. Original service documents indicate that they were avid drivers, by June of 1975 they had accumulated 19,997 miles on the odometer. Their car would see far fewer miles after 1975, but kept the car regularly maintained by the selling dealership and later with other automotive service workshops. The Conways would accumulate most of the car's miles by April of 1992 with 26,054 miles.

Sadly in 2001 Charles Conway passed away, where the car remained in the family's care until reportedly 2003 when Ideal Auto Body in Bridgewater, New Jersey, already familiar with the 3.5 Cabriolet, purchased the car and the title was transferred. According to a copy of a service invoice, the Mercedes-Benz had 28,379 miles on its odometer as of September 12th, 2003. The Mercedes-Benz remained with this caretaker until November of 2022 when it was acquired by an East Coast automotive dealer specializing in luxury collector cars.

Within a month, the most recent caretaker located and purchased the Mercedes-Benz, bringing it to his home in Los Angeles, California. At the time the car still retained its original silver metallic paint and was completely original throughout, but it was decided that they wanted to return the car to the pinnacle of cosmetic condition. The Mercedes-Benz was sent to an automotive workshop with a specialty in the 280 SE 3.5s where the car was prepped for a complete bare-metal respray of its original silver metallic paint. During this time the car was disassembled to an extensive degree, revealing the original wax markings inside of door panels and other components. During the disassembly, it was noted in how excellent condition the interior of the car was, retaining 100% of its original blue leather interior along with trim, chrome, moulding, and underside of the vehicle. Once the bare factory metal was revealed, it confirmed that all of the original metalwork was retained from the factory and was accident free. Factory-specific Glasurit paint was employed during the cosmetic restoration, resulting in a concours-level paint finish when completed. During this time the car was also treated to a comprehensive factory servicing along with engine tuning to make the already stunning 3.5 Cabriolet perfect for the road. Once completed, it was now a highly original vehicle with a concours-level presence.

Upon arriving at Canepa, the Mercedes-Benz was given a complete and thorough cosmetic and mechanical inspection via the "Canepa Difference" process. With such a recent major service and tuning, along with its concours-level respray of its factory silver metallic paint, the car was in excellent condition inside and out. The car was given a comprehensive exterior detail consisting of a multi foam pad polish, a cleaning of the underside by hand, and did fine detail work inside of the cabin to only enhance the 100% original interior. Once completed, the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was a shining gem of German history, with just 28,933 original miles. Only adding to its provenance is the included copy of the original data card, original dealer invoice, owner's manuals, service documents, and original service booklet.

While the designation "owner" can be anyone who kept a car for a period of time, a caretaker is someone who goes above and beyond to maintain and keep a vehicle in a condition that respects its history. The Conways, driving the car as intended for their 32 year stewardship, followed by its next caretaker keeping it for almost 2 decades, met finally by its most recent owner applying a significant investment to its cosmetic restoration, yielding a stunning concours-level vehicle. A time machine may not exist, but it's not often that driving sitting inside and driving a vehicle can transport you back in time like this one. In stunning condition inside and out and wonderfully preserved, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is ready for its next caretaker and any open road.