Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 39
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet Chassis no. 111.027.12.003247 Engine no. 116.980.12.002896
Sold for US$291,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 39
From the Estate of James Messenger
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Chassis no. 111.027.12.003247
Engine no. 116.980.12.002896
Chassis no. 111.027.12.003247
Engine no. 116.980.12.002896
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
*The last of the hand finished Mercedes-Benz flagships
*Desirable 'Low Grille' Cabriolet
*Floor shift, Behr air conditioning, Becker Europa radio
*One of 1,232 Produced with its original, numbers-matching engine
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE
The graceful and stylish W111 served as flagship Mercedes-Benz production model from the 1960s into the early 1970s. Initially offered in two- or four-door variants, the four-seat coupes and cabriolets outlived their befinned sedan stablemates by several years, thanks to designer Paul Bracq's timeless, sophisticated styling. Assembled and hand-finished to a high standard in the legendary Sindelfingen factory using the finest materials and fittings available, the W111 offered quality, luxury, and style on par with automobiles like the vastly more expensive Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow while delivering the refinement and engineering excellence that Mercedes-Benz buyers expected.
In the autumn of 1969, Mercedes-Benz introduced a completely new engine to give the W111 series a new lease on life. A compact new V8 engine, dubbed M116, with alloy heads and Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection provided a welcome boost in performance, particularly at highway speeds. Paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox, powerful disc brakes, and suspension tuned to toe the line between comfort and grip, the 280SE 3.5 delivered a driving experience that few contemporaries could match.
THE CAR OFFRERED
Handsomely finished in its original shade of Red Metallic (DB-571) over Crème leather upholstery, this highly desirable, US-specification Low Grille 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet has been beautifully restored and is presented in superb condition throughout. The rarely seen factory color is marvelously suited to the crisp and understated styling, and the light crème upholstery with red carpets and exquisite wood trim further imbues a sense of relaxed, sophisticated luxury. The outstanding restoration is highly detailed overall, and the car retains the signature bank-vault quality expected of a W111.
As a range-topping 3.5 Cabriolet, options and features are plentiful, and include a black fabric convertible top, electric windows, Becker Europa Stereo, Behr air conditioning, floor-mounted gear shift, and dual outside mirrors. It retains its original, numbers-matching 3.5-liter V8 engine as verified by the accompanying data card. Additionally, it features a factory tool roll, and full complement of original books and manuals, including the original ownership plate.
With superb road manners that belie its age, the 280 SE 3.5 is high on the list of the best driving classic luxury cars. With its splendid livery and quality presentation, this example is the ideal choice for top-down motoring along your favorite coastal roads.
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