• One of only 68 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolets built with right-hand drive
• Delivered new to the UK
• Professionally restored in Germany
• Present ownership since 2011
• Recently recommissioned by Jim Stokes Workshops

'Exclusive' is a much bandied-about word in the classic car world, but it is a most apt description of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5. Why? Because at $13,500 in 1970 its price was not only $3,500 more than that of the equivalent Mercedes-Benz sedan but also more than double that of a Cadillac Deville Coupé! Commonplace it was not.

The 3.5-litre version of the 280 SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the progressive easing of fiscal constraints, which had dissuaded customers from buying cars with large capacity engines, encouraged the German manufacturer to offer bigger, more potent power units. Thus the ultra-luxurious 280 SE Coupé/Cabriolet and 300 SEL saloon were the models chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in September 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.

The new V8 engine had particularly smooth-running characteristics and endowed the 280 SEs with performance superior to that of many out-and-out sports cars. Thus equipped, the Coupé/Cabriolet was good for 125mph (200km/h) with 60mph (97km/h) reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures. As befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupé and Cabriolet came equipped with automatic transmission, power windows, and a stereo radio as standard.

Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the 'New Generation' bodyshell, the 280 SE Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1960/1961 on the 220 SE. Nevertheless, there had been some refinements made: the radiator shell was lower and wider, with a correspondingly flatter front end to the bonnet, a characteristic that has led to enthusiasts referring to these face-lifted cars as 'flat radiator' or 'flachkuler' models, while the bumpers were now fitted with rubber strips. Significantly, the 280 SE 3.5 was to be the final model featuring this long-established and much-admired body style. It was truly Mercedes-Benz's flagship model, representing status, luxury and reliability. Today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors.

Delivered new to the UK in 1971, this automatic transmission example is one of only 68 cabriolets built with right-hand drive, making it one of the rarer post-war Mercedes models. Carefully stored for much of its life, the car had fewer than 29,000 miles showing on the odometer when it was purchased by Tom Scott Snr. at a UK auction in May 2011 (and reading 28,601 at the time of cataloguing). The immediately preceding custodian had owned the Mercedes for around 15 years, during which period it was sent for extensive restoration to renowned marque specialists Die Autoschmiede in Stuttgart, Germany said to have cost €100,000, although there are no supporting bills available. The auction catalogue description stated: "The results speak for themselves as the Mercedes is now described as being in mint condition and looking like it has just left the factory." Routine maintenance was said to have been entrusted to the highly respected classic Mercedes-Benz specialists, Roger Edwards Motors.

Kept on static display as part of the vendor's private collection of fine Mercedes-Benz motor cars, the 280 SE has recently been recommissioned by Jim Stokes Workshops and comes with their detailed report and invoice. Works undertaken included changing fluids and filters, and fitting new spark plugs, battery, fuel hoses, and offside rear wheel bearing. JSW's report states: "The vehicle drove very well, the gearbox, suspension and brakes are all operating as expected". JSW were pleased that the car was brought into operational condition with little difficulty, while listing further works that may be required to meet full and frequent road use. JSW would be pleased to advise the successful purchaser on such matters.

Accompanying paperwork includes the 2011 auction catalogue and bill of sale; a copy of an old V5 registration document; and copy of an old Republic of Ireland registration certificate.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.