1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet

• Restored in Monaco
• Present ownership since 2012
• Registered in Belgium since 2012

Publicly displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1967, Mercedes-Benz's fifteen 'New Generation' models went on sale the following January. But although the fuel-injected 280 SE saloon shared its bodyshell with the 'New Generation' 280 S, the 280 SE Coupé and Convertible retained the elegant looks of the outgoing 250 SE that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220 SE, designed by Paul Bracq. The 2,778cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder Type M130 engine, though, was all new. In fuel-injected 'SE' form the seven-bearing M130 produced 160bhp at 5,500rpm, an output sufficient to propel the manual transmission model to 118mph with the automatic, an increasingly popular choice, not far behind. Just as important in an age when automobile induced atmospheric pollution was becoming a hot political issue, was the fact that the M130 brought with it improved fuel economy and more efficient emissions control.

The suspension was essentially the same as that of the equivalent saloon model, albeit reconfigured for a lower ride height, with braking courtesy of discs all round. Plush and well appointed, the interiors featured a leather-covered dashboard; (usually) leather upholstery; a Becker radio; and round speedometer and rev counter flanking vertically stacked gauges. The thickly padded convertible top was manually operated, while air conditioning, electric windows, central locking and power assisted steering were among the several options listed. Production of the 280 SE Coupé and Convertible totalled a little over 5,000 units between 1968 and 1972 when production ceased, and today these timelessly elegant Grand Tourers are keenly sought after by connoisseurs of fine automobiles. It is worthwhile noting that the 280 SE Cabriolet is the next most desirable variant after the now prohibitively expensive 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet.

Completed on 20th January 1969, this elegant Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet is accompanied by its original factory data card, confirming its desirable specification. Finished originally in Sand Beige Metallic (467) with Dark Brown leather upholstery (248) and a matching Dark Brown soft-top (746), the car was also specified with additional halogen fog lamps (345). The car retains its original chassis and specification; however, the engine currently fitted is not the matching-number unit recorded on the factory data card.

Although its early history is not known, the 280 SE Cabriolet was formerly in Monaco where it was restored. The typical yellow headlights and fog lights are still present. In 2012, the official Mercedes-Benz dealer in Monaco sold the car to the current owner, who imported and registered it in Belgium (purchase invoice on file).

One of Mercedes-Benz's most elegant open cars of the period, the W111 Cabriolet combines superb coachwork with refined performance and comfort for which the brand is renowned.