Lot 245: Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

‘...the company should continue to enjoy the patronage of all who, being able to afford it, value the qualities of superb engineering above the attractions of superficial appearance or custom-trade exclusivity.’ – L J K Setright, ‘On Four Wheels’, 1975. The 3.5-litre version of the 280SE 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 that had dissuaded customers from buying cars with large capacity engines encouraged the Unterturkheim giant to offer bigger, more potent power units. Thus the ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupé/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 Coupé/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 Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE and, as befitted 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. One of only 1,232 examples produced, this 280SE 3.5 cabriolet was completely restored some years ago by the specialist Montfort Automobiles in Montfort l’Amaury near Paris. Newly repainted and re-trimmed, the car is finished in the very desirable ‘triple black’ livery, with matching coachwork, soft-top and interior. Faisant partie des 1 232 exemplaires produits, ce cabriolet 280 SE 3,5 litres a été complètement restauré il y a quelques années par le spécialiste Montfort Automobiles, à Montfort-L'Amaury, près de Paris. Repeinte et dotée d'une sellerie refaite, la voiture se présente dans la très désirable livrée "triple noir", avec carrosserie, capote et aménagement intérieur assortis.