1969→1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet


Above Images ©Daimler AG

In September 1969, clearly more powerful versions of the 280 SE 3.5 Coupé and Cabriolet were introduced. The completely newly developed 3.5-litre V8 engine with an output of 147 kW excelled in particularly smooth running characteristics and gave the car a sports-car-like performance. The new models had been stylistically refined to a certain extent, like the versions with 2.8-litre six-cylinder engines which continued to be on sale: the radiator mask was lower and wider, with a correspondingly flatter front end of the engine hood. Due to this characteristic feature, the face-lifted Coupés and Cabriolets were often referred to as the “flat radiator” models by insiders. As on the Saloons, the bumpers of the Coupés and Cabriolets were now fitted with rubber strips. In purely visual terms, the eight-cylinder models did not differ from the face-lifted six-cylinder versions.



Story by Daimler AG

Chassis & Sales

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible - sold for $96,250 The beautiful 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet presented here in white with a dark blue top and interior has always been very well maintained and cared for. Notably, it was recently treated to a full mechanical service that included refurbishing the AC system. Impressively equipped, the Mercedes features the very rare and desirable floor shift automatic transmission, V8 engine, Bosch Injection, power windows, air conditioning, leather... more
Gallery: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey



1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible - sold for $123,200 Much of the early life of this vehicle was spent in the southern United States. It has had only four owners since new. In the late 1970s, the car was purchased by its second owner. It was originally fitted with whitewall tires. Other options included a Behr air conditioner, Becker radio, burl wood dashboard and center floor shift. This car has been given a limited amount of restoration work, including a repaint in its original cream colo... more
Gallery: Gooding & Company 2010 Amelia Island Auction



1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible - sold for $165,000 Reported to drive capably and shift smoothly, this distinguished 280 SE 3.5 still features all of its original body panels and its stock Becker Europa radio. It is equipped with power windows and Behr air conditioning, and has recently had its brakes and suspension evaluated and serviced as needed. Wonderfully restored and cared for by marque experts with decades of collective experience, this highly desirable Mercedes-Benz Convertible is a pr... more
Gallery: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction



1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet - sold for €102,421 The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet pictured here is a lovely example of this very sought-after model. Presented in white with its original soft top and a handsome brown leather interior, it is also fitted with electric windows and still retains its rare original steel wheels, complete with stainless steel painted wheel rims. The car has covered 58,500 miles from new and is in very good overall condition with a fresh MoT. Many astute collectors feel th... more
Gallery: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions



1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet - sold for $121,000 The 1971 Mercedes 280SE 3.5 offered here is a very clean example with a four-speed column shift automatic transmission and air conditioning. With 9,470 miles indicated, the overall condition is very good. The chrome work is showing only slight signs of age. Its brick-red leather interior is exceptionally well maintained, and the burgundy carpeting is just as clean – a nice contrast to the silver finish and black top. The car has also benefitte... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions



1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet - sold for $154,000 The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet offered here is an excellent example both aesthetically and mechanically. Having spent many years within the private collection of noted Mercedes-Benz collector Stuart Roffman, it received exemplary care. In 2004, it was given a bare-metal refinish in its original color of Signal Red; the following year a correct leather interior was installed, and the car was mechanically serviced, with all work perf... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM



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