• Offered from the The Carrera Collection
• Among the marque’s most richly appointed, superbly engineered flagship designs
• One of just 347 examples produced for the model year
• Finished in Silver-Grey Metallic over blue MB-Tex with matching soft-top
• Factory-equipped with air-conditioning, centre-mounted automatic transmission shifter, automatic antenna, and Becker Europa radio

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 280 SE 3.5 in the autumn of 1969. It combined the classic styling of earlier Mercedes-Benz models with an all-new 230 brake horsepower V-8 engine featuring Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection. A fully independent suspension with disc brakes at each wheel was standard. Lavish accommodations for four included a fully lined top fit for a sumptuous German cabriolet. The framework of the convertible top was concealed from view by a full interior headliner; each top required more than 16 hours of labour.

On average, only 13 cars were finished per week, with Mercedes-Benz producing just 1,232 examples between 1969 and 1971. The 280 SE 3.5 was, unequivocally, the marque’s final, truly hand-built automobile. Timelessly elegant, the model still endures as a status symbol more than half a century beyond its introduction.

Though originally clad in the special-order shade of Light Beige, this handsome 1971 280 SE 3.5 has since been refinished in the classic colour combination of Silver-Grey Metallic over rich blue MB-Tex upholstery with a matching blue convertible soft-top. The build tag affixed to the car’s radiator core support indicates that it was also specified from the factory with a centre-mounted automatic transmission shifter, Becker Europa radio, Behr air conditioning system, front and rear power windows, and an automatic antenna. As it is presented today, this Cabriolet also sports period-correct additions that include a full set of lap belts, safety headrests, and chrome disc wheels with colour-matched hubs wrapped in thin whitewall tyres.

The car shows evidence of a prior restoration executed some years ago. While this 280 SE 3.5 retains side indicators and taillights of the type which bely its original US-market specifications, it is important to note that its odometer display has been swapped for a European-market metric unit during its previous restoration. The 280 SE 3.5 joined The Carrera Collection in November 2014. Immediately prior to the consignor’s purchase, the car was treated to a servicing that featured an oil change and fluid flush, as well as the fitment of new valve cover gaskets, timing belt tensioner, brake master cylinder, and exhaust.

With 280 SE 3.5 production limited to just 347 Cabriolet units for 1971—the model’s last and final year of availability— this nicely equipped example is a stellar representation of what many consider to be among Mercedes-Benz's most recognisable, luxurious, and superbly engineered flagship designs.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/cc23.