• One of only 1,232 examples produced
• Desirable European specification
• Present ownership since 1993
• Offered in its original colour combination
• Restored in 2017 and maintained since

'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 saloon 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 transistorized ignition.

The new V8 engine had particularly smooth-running characteristics and endowed the 280 SE 3.5 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' 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. Only 1,232 Cabriolets were built, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors.

The original order for this 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was completed by the Mercedes-Benz factory on 24th April 1970, and the car was delivered to Wuppertal, West Germany for first registration. It is number 1,128 of the 1,232 V8 Cabriolets and was built towards the end of the W111 Series production. The car was ordered in white (DB050) with red (243) leather, black mohair convertible top, central shift automatic transmission, and with the factory options of a rear fog light, locking glove compartment, ivory coloured steering wheel, front and side windowpanes (heat-absorbing glass) and combined European taillights. Later additions include Behr air conditioning, seat belts, and a passenger-side door mirror.

In 1993, the car was purchased by the current owner and registered in Paris. Since this time, it was predominantly used on the Continent for 24 years before being imported and registered in the UK. During 2017 a sympathetic restoration was carried out retaining all of the car's original colours and features, while that same year an hydraulic power cabriolet roof conversion was installed (with manual front unlock). Regularly maintained and stored for the last two years, the car runs and drives but will need fully checking over before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation consists of a Mercedes-Benz Data Card and (copy) French registration papers. It should be noted that the UK registration number '79 NJS' is not included in sale.

Please note that, subject to acceptance by Belgian Customs as a qualifying collector's vehicle, if this vehicle is imported and remains in Belgium it will benefit from 0% Import Duty and the reduced Belgian Import VAT rate of 6%. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, import rates and VAT treatment may vary if the vehicle is imported into another EU Member State. An administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department or our recommended shippers.