1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE 3.5 CABRIOLET- 1 OF 1,232 PRODUCED

Specifications:

VIN: 11102712002174
Exterior Color: Dark Red (542)
Interior Color: Cognac (467)
Engine: 3.5L V8
Transmission: Automatic
Status: AVAILABLE
Stock: 09-10665
Mileage: 13,865

Two-Owner “Low-Grill” Convertible

Gentle Cosmetic & Mechanical Refresh

All Factory Documents, Data Cards, Tools Included

CLICK HERE FOR OVER 400 PHOTOS

*Don’t miss the Drive, Chassis, Cold Start & Walk-Around Videos at the bottom of the listing!

 

Arguably one of the most elegant cars Mercedes-Benz has ever produced, the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet has captured the heart of collectors and enthusiasts across the globe.  With only 1,232 produced over a 3 year period, they have become highly collectible and finding an original car that has not been restored, shows no rust and has a known, documented history has become increasingly difficult.  The 280SE 3.5 (W111), also known as the “Low-Grill”, is said to be the last of the hand-built Mercedes.

 

VEHICLE OVERVIEW*

  • Vehicle:  1971 280 SE Conv 3.5
  • VIN: WDB11102712002174
  • Color: Sand Beige (467)
  • Soft Top:  Parchment (743)
  • Upholstery: Cognac Leather (250)
  • Order Agent:  Valley Volkswagen, Fayetteville, NC

Options:

  • 421 Automatic Transmission
  • 422 Power Steering
  • 513 Becker Europa Stereo
  • 540 Fill-In Cushion (front seat)
  • 587 Arm Rest Front
  • 598 Tinted Glass
  • 641 White Wall Tires
  • 236 Electric Windows
  • 257 Air Conditioning
  • 256 Limited Slip Differential
  • 334 Break-In Oil
  • 835 Coco Mats
  • 531 Automatic Antenna

 *Information Pulled From Purchase Order

 

HISTORY

This particular W111 3.5 Cabriolet was ordered for European Delivery on August 1, 1970, from Valley Volkswagen in Fayetteville, NC. The Mercedes was picked up in Munich on September 2, 1970 (see photo in gallery of pick-up day) and used by the owners to tour Europe concluding at the Sorrento, Italy port.  The car arrived at the port of Baltimore on October 21,1970 prepared for its journey home to a Charlotte, NC suburb where it would remain with the original owners for the next 30 years.  Under the original owners stewardship, they averaged under 4,000 miles per year of use.

In 2001 the current owners found the car for sale thru Silver Star Restorations in NC (see For Sale Ad photo in gallery).  The owner and his mechanic flew out to see the 280 and decided it was the one to get.  Having restored a number of Mercedes over the years, they understood the importance of originality.  The “from the factory fit” is rarely duplicated in a restoration so finding an unrestored, rust-free, original owner car with documentation was proving difficult even in the early 2000’s.  On September 21, 2001, the current owners purchased this W111 and knowing Silver Star’s reputation, decided to have them embark on a cosmetic restoration (details below).    They chose not to restore the interior as they preferred the original carpet, wood and leather.  While not perfect, the patina of the carpet and leather that the car was born with tells the story and that was what mattered to them, thus originality held favor. Throughout their ownership, the W111 was used sparingly, mostly for special occasions.

In 2006 the car was used in the movie Pursuit of Happyness.  Photos from the movie set and the movie itself are included in the gallery.

 

RESTORATION

After the current owners purchase in 2001, the decision was made to have Silver Star Restorations undertake a cosmetic restoration on the W111.  The body color was changed from Sand Beige (467) to Dark Red (542) and the top was changed from Parchment to Dark Red.   Photos are included in the gallery of the bare metal strip & respray.  All trim, doors, trunk and hood were removed along with related trim items.  Items were removed from firewall, inner-fenders and other engine compartment areas (radiator, a/c condenser, etc).  The same holds true for door jambs, trunk and wheel wells.  There is no sign of the original color.

During the resoration, the shop mentioned on receipt dated 10/14/01 “as expected, the car is rust- free. There is some slight old damage on drivers door, rear tail panel and misc parking lot dings” that were all correctly repaired.   When later working on lower rockers they found a “small rust hole” that was cut out, replaced and repaired (mentioned on repair receipt dated 2/1/02 in gallery).  In addition to the finish work, a few trim pieces were sent out to be re-chromed.  Most body seals were replaced prior to reassembly. There is no aftermarket undercoating (original factory schutz in place) on the car so that the original factory chassis is visible to inspect condition (photos in gallery).

Once the Mercedes arrived back to California the owners had their private mechanic go through the mechanical aspects of the 280.  Repairs included:

  • Brake Master cylinder, soft lines, caliper, rotors & pads
  • New cams, cam gears, chain guides, chains, rocker arms and oiling units/hoses
  • Coolant system hoses
  • Starter & electrical system refreshed
  • Subframe mount bushings
  • All belts & soft lines replaced
  • A/C system evacuated & recharged
  • Multiple suspension components
  • Stainless exhaust system
  • Multiple suspension components
  • Recent compression numbers range from 153-165 across cylinders

CONDITION

Exterior is very good overall. Panel fit is very good and doors show no droop/slop and shut with that satisfying factory thud. Very few imperfections are visible. Brightwork is very good with some pieces showing light wear. Convertible top is in excellent condition, shows no tears, signs of fading or permanent creasing and rear window is scratch, crease and haze free.  Other than windshield, glass is original and scratch free.

Interior is original and as expected after 53 years the leather seats show wonderful patina but unfortunately do also have a few tears.  A few Mercedes collectors have viewed the car and feel they can be repaired with aged donor panels if preservation is preferred over replacement. Gauges are clear, scratch free and functioning as designed.  Chrome accents are outstanding after polishing.  The proper factory original and functioning Becker radio is in place.  The burl wood dash shows beautiful patina and is  in very good condition with the exception of wear around the base of windshield frame where minor chips are evident at the base.  Carpet is in excellent condition while driver mat shows cracking on plastic heel-pad.  Floorpans are solid and show no signs of previous water intrusion with soundproofing material still intact and heat ducts in place.  Defroster and  A/C functions but does not blow cold (R12, has not been converted).

Unlike so many W111 Cabs of this era, this one is undercoat and paint free.  It is as it arrived from the factory, aside from minor overspray from the repaint, therefore there are no secrets lying beneath.  The engine bay is mostly correct (possibly a replaced hose clamp that doesn’t meet concours spec) and shows no sign of original paint color.

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

All items (books, badges, manuals and plates) in photos are included with the sale.

  • Tool Kit
  • Original First Aid kit
  • Original Spare & Jack
  • Factory service manuals
  • Factory owners manual & supplements
  • Cocoa Mats
  • Various spare parts and service items
  • Original Data Card
  • Copy of sales documentation
  • Original European Delivery Docs (including import/export docs)
  • Photo from owners in Munich (vehicle pickup)
  • Photos of vehicle on movie set (Pursuit Of Happyness (2006))
  • Restoration receipts and photos
  • All original books, badges, and plates that came with this car from the factory.
  • Touch up paint from respray

Please reach out with any questions.

Classic Cars Ltd.

925-846-1451