For Sale at Auction: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 in Newport, Rhode Island

Chassis No. 111.027.12.002490

In late 1969, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new generation of V8 engines to meet growing demand from its North American dealer network. This major technical and strategic advance debuted across three flagship models, the 300 SEL 3.5 Sedan, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, and the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet. All three quickly became international symbols of luxury, refinement, and exclusivity. Priced above $12,000 when new, the Cabriolet targeted discerning buyers seeking the highest levels of hand craftsmanship and performance. Its soft top was engineered like no other car in the world for the pleasure of open-air motoring. Six layers of fabric, padding, and insulation kept it from fluttering at speed and isolated road noise, and each top required 16 hours of hand assembly. That expense and labor limited 3.5 Cabriolet production between 1969 and 1971 to just 1,232 examples, making it one of the most exclusive open four seat Mercedes-Benz cabriolets of the era.

This example was built in September 1970 and delivered new to the United States. It spent nearly 40 years in the care of a single owner in Cincinnati, Ohio until 2024, with marque specialist Precision Motorcars handling its upkeep throughout that ownership, including a recent major service. The car remains in largely original and unrestored condition. The bodywork was refinished in its original Silver Grey Metallic, with repaints common on these early two-stage paints as their clear coat ages. Inside, the Black leather seats retain their original upholstery, with wear consistent with age and use. As presented, the odometer shows just 60,019 miles at the time of cataloging, believed to be original.

Behind the wheel, the 3.5-liter M116 V8 and four speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, effortless power, while Behr air conditioning, power windows, and a Becker Europa radio round out a comfortable long distance touring package, and with its top down and four seats occupied, it offers exactly the open air European motoring experience it was built to provide. It was one of the finest personal luxury car the marque offered when new, and its innovative engineering, elegant style, and unassailable build quality have kept it beloved for more than half a century, the same traits that make it just as compelling, and just as usable, today.