Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 62
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet Chassis no. 111027.12.002958
Sold for US$243,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 62
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Chassis no. 111027.12.002958
Chassis no. 111027.12.002958
3,499cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
200bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Disc Brakes
*Elegant Dark Olive over Beige leather presentation
*One of about 802 US-examples made
*Fitted with Becker Europa stereo radio and Behr air conditioning
*Kept by the original owner for over three decades
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W111
"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 280SE 3.5.
Introduced in late 1969 as a prestige model to supplant the somewhat underpowered six-cylinder 280SE, the V8-powered, W111-Series 280SE 3.5, in both Coupe and Convertible form, was of immediate appeal to wealthy customers who were accustomed to having the best quality and workmanship available in an automobile, but didn't need or desire the next step up, the over-the-top 600.
The hand-built body of the new model was slightly restyled, with a cleaner and flatter nose and radiator shell, but was still quite conservative. Beneath the wide hood there now rested a Bosch fuel-injected, 200bhp overhead-cam V8 with 211 foot-pounds of torque designed to deliver excellent performance. One reviewer referred to it as having a "hot-rod"-like persona with a lovely exhaust snarl, while meeting ever-more strict emissions laws in the US, the company's most vital market.
The compact, but sturdy engine was capable of moving this big 4/5-seater to 60 miles an hour in under 10 seconds and offered a top speed in excess of 125mph. Large vacuum-assisted disc brakes at each corner allowed the driver to slow with ease, and handling was described as very comfortable, thanks to its coil-sprung independent suspension. Both the open and closed versions of the 3.5 were fitted with just about every luxury amenity a buyer could ask for. The few choices remaining pertained to paint and interior trim colors, which model of Becker stereo system was desired, and electric seat-back adjustment. It all added up to an impressively costly automobile.
THE CAR OFFERED
This example of the era's flagship Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet was completed by hand at the Mercedes-Benz factory during October of 1970. According to the data tag, the new 3.5 was equipped and destined for the US-market, with instruments in English, a Becker Europa radio installed with power antenna, Behr air-conditioning, and finished in the same striking color as seen on the car today; 291H Dark Oliver green neatly contrasted by a tan convertible top over a Beige leather interior - the very same as fitted in the car today.
The Benz is understood to have been sold new to Richard Friedman of Long Island, New York, retaining it in the Empire State in the summer and Palm Beach, Florida in the winter. Service records from Mr. Friedman's ownership reflect regular maintenance by the local Mercedes-Benz dealers. Mostly recently acquired by the current owner over two years ago, the Mercedes has been sparingly driven. Entrusted to Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut for recent service, it has been refreshed cosmetically in preparation for that auction. It is complete with its original paperwork from the the 1970s, owner's handbooks and envelope, sales brochures, and more.
The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5's desirability stems from a combination of its rarity and effortless luxury and operation. An example presented such as this is surely a must-have for any true Mercedes-Benz enthusiast.
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