LOT 127
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet Chassis no. 111.027.12.002995 Engine no. 116.980.12.002608
Estimate: US$400,000 - US$475,000
Lot 127
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Chassis no. 111.027.12.002995
Engine no. 116.980.12.002608
Chassis no. 111.027.12.002995
Engine no. 116.980.12.002608
3,499cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
230bhp at 6,050rpm (SAE)
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Disc Brakes
*The last of the hand finished Mercedes-Benz flagships
*Elegant Moss Green paint over Bamboo Leather upholstery
*One of 1,232 total Cabriolets produced, of only 347 made for 1971
*Paint, interior, and engine refurbishment by Hjeltness Restorations
*Beautifully detailed, former full concours class winner
*Desirably equipped with floor shift, Behr air conditioning, Becker Europa radio
*Retains its original, numbers-matching engine
*Low mileage example, covering less than 44,000 miles
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE
The graceful and stylish W111 served as the 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 "Heckflosse" 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 limousine 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. The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet was quite an expensive car when new, costing approximately $14,500 when optioned, which was about the same price as a brand new Ferrari 275 GTB a few years prior.
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 OFFERED
Elegantly presented in a factory-offered shade of Moss Green (DB-834), this stunning 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet brilliantly captures all that is great about these opulent boulevardiers. According to the accompanying data card, this wonderful US-market cabriolet came equipped with a host of desirable options including front bucket seats, floor-shift automatic transmission, Behr air conditioning, Becker radio, electric windows, and tinted glass. The data card and under hood plate reveal this car was originally finished in DB-387 metallic blue over Parchment leather (code 254) but was subsequently refinished in this gorgeous shade of green upon its restoration.
The previous owners of the car were John and Barbara Graham, who spent their winters in Palm Desert, California. The car had spent a majority of its life living in a garage at the Eldorado Country Club in California's dry desert. The car was used sparingly, reportedly it was the car they took to dinner every night. The current owner was eager to find an incredible example of a 280SE Cabriolet, and with the assistance of a well-known Mercedes marque expert, he was put in touch with John and Barbara Graham. It is believed that Mr. and Mrs. Graham purchased the car directly from the owner of a car dealership, Mr. Meyer of Meyers Motors in May of 1987. The Graham's enjoyed the car from 1987 until 2006, when it was purchased by the consignor.
In addition to its desirable equipment, the consignor reports that the previous owner commissioned the highly respected marque specialists at Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, California to perform a cosmetic restoration in the early 2000s. Hjeltness repainted it in its current Moss Green, restored the interior using a bamboo shade of leather and carpet, and turned their attention to the original, numbers-matching V8 engine. The consignor took delivery of the car and began the painstaking process of creating a full concours car to match his fleet of other concours level show cars. The consignor went ahead and completed a full concours undercarriage restoration as well as ensuring the rest of the detail work was completed by the legendary automotive "groomer", Bill Larzelere, who was known for his award-winning Pebble Beach level detailing.
As expected of a Hjeltness restoration, this car is highly detailed with authentic materials and finishes, all done to a very high standard. The paintwork remains in lovely order, and the cabin has taken on a light, appealing character through gentle use and care in the years following its refurbishment. The consignor also spent years sourcing new factory parts and made sure the engine bay was restored to a correct, factory level where it would match the Mercedes-Benz brochure when the car was new. So many correct details were covered in the engine bay even down to the correct red Aeroquip air conditioning hoses, which the consignor made sure to have fitted due to it being the correct hose for concours events. An accompanying Best in Class trophy from the 2008 Newport Beach Concours d'Elegance at St. Regis Monarch Beach affirms the quality of its detailing and presentation, where it beat out a 5-time show winner reportedly owned by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
Since its best in class win in 2008, the car has only been driven approximately 2,500 miles and kept in a temperature and humidity-controlled garage. In its current ownership, the vehicle has been serviced extensively by esteemed Mercedes mechanic Steve Marx of Costa Mesa, California completing all the required maintenance suggested by Mercedes including the major 35,000-mile top end rebuild. This wonderful example of a 280SE 3.5 benefits from expert attention, and one look is enough to appreciate why these fabulous cars remain a perennial favorite among collectors and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, embodying the ethos of uncompromising quality and elegant design that defined the marque for decades.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 14 August 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 15 August 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 PDT
- 16 August 2024, 08:30 - 11:00 PDT
Bid now on these items
