Lot 104: 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

The ultra-luxurious 280SE Coup�/Cabriolet and 300SEL saloon were the models chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 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. Thus equipped, the Coup�/Cabriolet was good for 125mph with 60mph reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version�s figures. Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the �New Generation� bodyshell, the Coup� and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE. For the all-important United States market, these top-of-the-range luxury models came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and stereo radio as standard. Significantly, the 280SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established and much admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors.

This Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet was delivered new in Italy to the celebrated operatic baritone, Tito Gobbi. One of the biggest names in post-war classical opera, Tito Gobbi studied law at the University of Padua before training as a singer, and made his operatic debut in 1935. Noted for his unique voice and talent for realistic acting, Gobbi turned to stage directing in the 1960s and appeared in both singing and acting roles in no fewer than 25 motion pictures. His many collaborations with soprano Maria Callas, of whom he was a close friend and admirer, are among the most highly regarded performances of all time. Tito Gobbi died in 1984 at the age of 70.

This superb convertible, certainly the most elegant five-seater cabriolet of the 1960s/70s, is presented in original condition, never restored but always very well maintained. Since Tito Gobbi�s death, his Mercedes has remained in the possession of his daughter, from whose ownership it is offered for sale today. Finished in grey metallic with Petrol Blue interior, the car retains its original engine and Becker radio, and is fitted with the power windows (standardised on later models) and the optional air conditioning. The vehicle is offered with Italian libretto, original owner�s manual, guarantee certificate, maintenance manual, dealers� list and Roma registration plates.

�Close the door, start the engine, open the soft-top, drive under the sun of the Riviera and sing, sing, sing��




Cette Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet fut livr�e neuve en Italie au c�l�bre baryton d�op�ra Tito Gobbi. Un des grands noms de l�histoire de l�op�ra classique d�apr�s guerre, Tito Gobbi fit son droit � l�Universit� de Padoue avant de prendre des cours de chant et de d�buter � l�op�ra en 1935. Il mourut en 1984 � l��ge de 70 ans.

Ce magnifique cabriolet, un des mod�les d�capotables 4/5 places
les plus �l�gants des ann�es 1960/70, est offert en �tat d�origine, jamais restaur�, mais tr�s bien entretenu. Depuis le d�c�s de Tito Gobbi, la Mercedes �tait rest�e propri�t� de sa fille. Peinte en gris m�tallis� avec int�rieur bleu p�trole, la voiture qui poss�de son moteur et son poste de radio Becker d�origine est �quip�e en option de glaces �lectriques (standard sur les derniers mod�les) et de l�air conditionn�. Elle est accompagn�e de son libretto italien, de son manuel d�utilisation, de son certificat de garantie, de son manuel d�entretien, d�une liste de concessionnaires et de ses plaques d�immatriculation de Rome.