Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet 1970 for sale

This Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was produced, according to the data sheet in our possession, in April 1970 and was subsequently delivered for the first time to the United States. The original color scheme was metallic blue gray (color code 906) with leather interior (code 245) and blue soft top. This extremely attractive and elegant color scheme is still present today. The factory equipment included a Behr air conditioner, electric windows, and a Becker radio. The vehicle remained in the United States until 2014. Starting in the mid-1980s, maintenance history information is available in California from specialized workshops. In the period 2006-2007, the car underwent a complete restoration and overhaul amounting to 50,000 USD. On that occasion, the paintwork was renewed. The leather interior, including carpets and decorative woods in zebra wood, as well as the soft top, were also renewed. In 2014, the Cabriolet arrived in Germany and has had three owners here to date. Even after almost 20 years, everything is in excellent condition and perfect state. The bodywork shows clean gaps with doors and hoods that close well. There are also perfectly fitted decorative and mounting parts. The paintwork shows a fine structure with a nice shine. The chrome finishes are complete and very well maintained. Overall, this specimen conveys a high-quality impression both outside and inside, also due to the low mileage since restoration. The engine is still the original unit and therefore "Matching Numbers". The engine compartment and accessories make a solid and well-maintained impression. The same applies to the underbody and chassis. In recent years, several invoices for service work and minor maintenance are available, as well as the latest TÜV reports. Thanks to its excellent technical and optical appearance, this flat radiator Cabriolet is an excellent specimen for lovers of Mercedes' understated elegance. It invites you to drive and enjoy in a relaxed manner and particularly allows for vintage driving pleasure for the whole family even for outings and longer trips. The elegant coupe and cabriolet of the W111 series was introduced in 1961 initially as the 220 SEb Coupe. The simple yet impressive design by Friedrich Geiger and Paul Bracq marked a turning point in Mercedes style, moving away from the baroque opulence of the 1950s. In the small series coupes and cabriolets, there is much more manual craftsmanship compared to the W111 sedans. The series has been continuously optimized technically. From a propulsion perspective, in 1965 the 2.5-liter 150 hp engine of the 250 SE was introduced. Also new was the hydropneumatic compensating spring on the rear axle, mounted in place of the previous coil spring, which kept the body level constant regardless of the load. In January 1968, the 280 SE took its place, equipped with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine with 160 hp. In 1969, the 3.5-liter V8 engine with 200 hp debuted as a completely new development. This was accompanied by a flatter hood and a lower radiator grille, which led to the (unofficial) designation "Flachkühler" in contrast to the previous "Hochkühler". Thus, Mercedes demonstrated at the time what was technically possible and supported its claim as a builder and manufacturer of the "best car". Furthermore, this series was very popular among many celebrities and stars as a worldly coupe and cabriolet. In the summer of 1971, production of the W111 (and W112) coupes and cabriolets ended. A total of 7,013 cabriolets were produced, of which only 1,232 with the powerful 3.5-liter V8 engine.