LOT 261

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible Registration no. KBJ 86J Chassis no. 11102712002926

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Lot 261

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible
Registration no. KBJ 86J Chassis no. 11102712002926

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|9 July 2021, 14:30 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible
Registration no. KBJ 86J
Chassis no. 11102712002926

• Last-of-the-line modern classic
• Automatic transmission
• Left-hand drive
• Imported into the UK in 2010
• Present ownership since 2010

Footnotes

Please note whilst the car has received recent attention in preparation for an MoT, the MoT was not undertaken and the car is not offered with a current MoT. The car is however MoT exempt.
Please note whilst the car has received recent attention in preparation for an MoT, the MoT was not undertaken and the car is not offered with a current MoT. The car is however MoT exempt.
"If you feel obligated to ask about the price you not only will never understand the car, you have branded yourself incapable of ever appreciating its virtues even if someone gave you one." – Car & Driver on the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5.

The fact that Car & Driver felt compelled to comment on the 280 SE's price is understandable when one considers that at $13,500 in 1970 it was not only $3,500 more than that of the equivalent Mercedes-Benz saloon but also more than double that of a Cadillac Deville Coupé!

The ultra-luxurious 280 SE Coupé/Cabriolet (and 300 SEL saloon) had been chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium-alloy cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced 200bhp courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorised ignition. Thus equipped, the Coupé/Cabriolet was good for 125mph with 60mph reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures. Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the 'New Generation' bodyshell, the Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220 SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, and a stereo radio as standard. Significantly, the 280 SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established and much admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors.

An automatic transmission model, this left-hand drive Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible was acquired via Cooper Classics of New York, USA. The car was imported by the current vendor and registered in the UK in 2010. It has been used infrequently and for special occasions, and is said to drive well at any speed. The passage of time and changes of circumstances mean that this much-loved Mercedes-Benz needs to find a new custodian. Described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout, the car is offered with a V5C document and will be freshly MoT'd by time of sale.

The stylish 280 SE 3.5 has long been regarded as a classic of post-war design, possessing a timeless elegance that turns heads and gathers appreciative glances to a degree unmatched by its modern-day counterparts. Above all else, the 280 SE with the desirable 3.5-litre engine identifies its owner as a true connoisseur.

Saleroom notices

Please note whilst the car has received recent attention in preparation for an MoT, the MoT was not undertaken and the car is not offered with a current MoT. The car is however MoT exempt.

Additional information

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