Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111 3.5 Litre 8-Cylinder 1971
General description :
1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
s/n 111027.12.004164, eng. no. 116980.12.004732
Tobacco Brown with Cognac Leather Interior
For more than a century, Mercedes-Benz has crafted some of the most legendary automobiles. Collectors and enthusiasts continually select these cars for their remarkable performance, superlative design, and exceptional engineering. Decades of racing and luxury refinement from the 50s and 60s vaulted Mercedes-Benz into the growing US market as they imported exciting models to both new and dedicated customers. Introduced in late 1961, the W111-Series 280SE was a clean and handsome car, attributed to the elegant and refined design efforts of Paul Bracq. This series was offered in both coupe and convertible form, with the 280SE Cabriolet immediately appealing to customers who appreciated quality workmanship and bespoke accessories, but also seeking the pleasures of an open touring car.
The body design evolved over the decade, but still maintained the clean lines and classic grille, delivering both tradition and refinement to the elegant appearance. For those who demanded a more performance touring car, the 280SE could be ordered with the powerful 3.5 liter fuel-injected overhead cam V8 engine. This, combined with the convertible body style became the preferred luxury choice; a sentiment that remains today among enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars. The last of the classic full-sized Mercedes 2-door convertibles to offer open-air motoring, the 3.5 Cabriolet accommodates four passengers while still delivering brisk performance, particularly with coil-sprung independent suspension all around, power steering, power disc brakes, and many convenience features.
Safety was also of utmost importance, with Mercedes-Benz pioneering safety crumple zone unibody engineering, a padded steering wheel and padded dashboard components, further enhanced by retractable three-point safety belts. But the extraordinary engineering and design was only equaled by the remarkable attention to detail and craftsmanship offered in these fine cars. Robustly built and the last to have been assembled by hand, these exceptional cars were understandably expensive and consequently, sold primarily to specialized clientele, making original numbers matching examples rare and highly sought-after.
According to the original VIN perforated Mercedes-Benz factory owner’s literature included with this car, this 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet was optioned with factory Behr Air Conditioning and floor shift automatic transmission, and delivered to Rallye Motors, Inc. New York. The car was sold to the first owner, Mr. James Hagan on June 17, 1971. The service booklet notes New York and Vermont dealer services on August 25, 1971 at 3,944 miles, April 17, 1972 at 9,711 miles, August 4, 1972 at 16,466 miles and again with 19,856 miles. Service entries continue with Wichita, KS dealer at 31,464 miles and 37,440. By 1979 the car is serviced at European Imports, in Albuquerque NM with 54,212 miles logged in the service booklet. In 1996 the car is known to have been in the ownership of a Dale Harper of Pebble Beach, CA. Showing 81,914 miles on June 3, 1996, the car is serviced and passes emissions inspection. In 1997 the car is extensively serviced showing 82,742 miles including a new fuel injector unit, A/C fan clutch and A/C service, new spark wires, and various new fuel lines totaling over $4,300.00.
Records for ongoing maintenance, service, and cosmetic refinements continue throughout the 1990s and 2000s with mileage recorded. In 2000, the interior was redone including rebuilding and recovering the front seats, door panels, dash pad and steering wheel, various velvets, and a new windshield gasket. Through the 2000s, MBI Motors, Inc. Portland, OR serviced the car, recording mileage at 86,153. Services include $2,300.00 for transmission repair, various electrical work, and exhaust repairs with 86,299 miles recorded. In 2017 with 87,063 miles recorded, Prestige Auto Repair, Salem, OR replaced the brake pads, installed new front wheel seals, and a brake fluid flush, followed by a 2018 lube, oil, and filter service with 87,095 miles.
Today this matching numbers 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet offers a wholesome overall presentation ready for enjoyable driving. The highly desirable floor shift automatic transmission and refreshing Behr Air Conditioning, mounted seamlessly into the center console, make this 3.5 Cabriolet both rare and desirable. The glossy Tobacco Brown paint has deep luster, and the overall finish is properly detailed throughout. The exterior has a few minor surface blemishes in typical areas indicative of careful but enjoyable road use over the years. The doors shut with an excellent snap and firm closure, while the hood and trunk show excellent panel gaps indicative of original specifications. All chrome appears in very good to excellent condition, showing some marks and a few imperfections when viewed up close, including two 1/8” dimple marks along the top edge of the rear bumper. Both front and rear rubber bumper trim show no excessive marks or warping. Lenses, lighting, and glass are in very good condition including an excellent windshield and, recently replaced, soft rubber windshield seal. The matching brown canvas convertible top and inner headliner are properly tailored, and the top fits tightly to the windshield, showing a taut, clear plastic rear window. The factory wheel covers are properly finished with matching Tobacco Brown paint, accenting against the polished stainless finish. The brown exterior, contrasted with the iconic Mercedes-Benz Cognac interior creates a stately presence, enhanced by the performance of the 3.5 liter engine.
The interior is handsomely finished using correct and high-quality materials carefully combined with what appears to be the original Cognac leather on the rear seats. The properly rebuilt and padded front seats display excellent fit and finish consistent with factory patterns and bolstering. The correctly stippled Cognac leather seats are supple with correct sheen and proper piping, matching throughout the car. The Wilton Wool carpeting, installed in 2000, is in very nice condition, showing no significant wear marks, properly stitched edge-beading, and only minor evidence of use in the driver’s footwell and floor mat. The steering wheel is beautifully presented with no cracks in the gloss black rim, correctly padded centerpiece, and a smooth chrome horn ring. The dash is quite nice showing excellent wood, clear lacquer, and splendidly detailed instrumentation throughout. A great deal of care is evident in the fitting of the Cognac material surrounding the curved dash panels. Interior door panels and rear seating continue the theme of excellence with great fit, tight presentation, and smooth finish, including matching original areas where newer materials have been installed. The various switches, knobs, and controls retain clean cosmetic presentation overall. The trunk is properly finished with correct materials, spare tire, and proper tools.
Under the hood, the engine compartment and matching numbers engine have been properly maintained and finished with correct factory finishes and proper hardware. Clearly serviced by professionals who have paid close attention to correct Mercedes-Benz parts and service guidelines, the engine appears properly finished and correctly appointed. Though not overly detailed or excessively polished, the components are reflective of the correct finishes these cars exhibited upon departing the factory. Detailing and care is evident throughout the presentation including correct identification stampings, factory tags, and a correct hood insulation pad.
The car starts easily, delivering a very smooth idle and responsive acceleration. Driving manners are relaxed and delightful. The stately nature and superb ride engineering, coupled with the advanced brakes, and independent suspension are among the best offered for this era. Mechanically the car performs as one might expect, offering smooth power delivery and leisurely touring, excellent automatic shifting, and solid braking. The undercarriage and chassis components are clean and representative of the miles recorded on the car, with no visual evidence of structural compromises to visible portions of the unibody. The car is offered with a set of original Mercedes-Benz supplied owner’s books, stamped service booklet, two factory data cards, car cover, top boot cover, and multiple service records dating back to 1996.
Presented in wonderfully elegant colors, this Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is a handsome, honest, open-touring car offering prestige and distinction in a very drivable package. Comfortable for four passengers with ample trunk space for outings, golf bags, or long-distance travel, this cabriolet offers enthusiasts a comfortable yet commanding vehicle ready for leisurely enjoyment, casual car shows, or touring events.
https://fantasyjunction.com/inventory/1971-mercedes-benz-280-se-3-5-convertible-1/overview
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111 3.5 Litre 8-Cylinder is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Emeryville by Fantasy Junction for $298500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 280SE Cabriolet w111 Model Version : 3.5 Litre 8-Cylinder Engine size : 3.5 Model Year : 1971 Location : Emeryville Vehicle Registration : Normal
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
People who viewed this Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111 also viewed similar Mercedes-Benz listed at ClassicDigest
Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111
485000 €
Heide
Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111
187000 €
Hamburg
Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111
265000 €
United Kingdom
Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111
269500 $
Astoria
Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet w111
325000 €
Brummen
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV
Emeryville
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
1325000$
Emeryville
Mercedes-Benz 220a/S/SE Ponton
Emeryville
Mercedes-Benz 220 W187
Emeryville
Jaguar E-type
Emeryville
About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.