1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 is one of approximately 1,230 cabriolets produced between 1969 and 1971, and it was sold on BaT in July 2021 before it was refurbished and subsequently sold on BaT in January 2024. The 3.5-liter V8 and four-speed automatic transmission were both rebuilt, and additional work included refinishing the exterior in Blue Metallic, reupholstering the interior in Parchment leather, and refreshing the braking, steering, and heating and air conditioning systems. The car is equipped with a replacement blue convertible soft top, 14″ steel wheels with covers, disc brakes, US-specification headlights, dual side mirrors, power windows, and a Becker Europa AM/FM radio. Acquired by the current owner in 2024, this W111 cabriolet is now offered on dealer consignment in California with a clean Montana title.

The car was finished in Metallic Blue (387) from the factory and was refinished under current ownership by Autobahn Autobody of Costa Mesa, California. Painted pinstripes accent the sides, and the blue soft top, chrome trim, power-retractable antenna, and side view mirrors were replaced. Additional exterior equipment includes front vent windows, US-specification headlights, and a “low-style” grille.

The 14″ steel wheels feature bright-finished covers with color-matched centers and are mounted with 215/70 Nexen tires. The suspension includes an independent double-wishbone front setup with coil springs along with a rear single-joint swing axle with hydropneumatic compensating spring and level control. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted disc brakes at each corner. The calipers were overhauled during the refurbishment while the brake master cylinder, hoses, linings, and reservoir were replaced along with the front wheel bearings and suspension bushings.

The cabin was reupholstered in Parchment with replacement seat covers, door panels, and carpeting. The seat padding, burl wood trim, and power window regulators were replaced during the refurbishment, and the Becker Europa AM/FM radio was overhauled. Amenities include individual front seats with headrests as well as three-point seat belts, a dashboard-mounted clock, a floor shifter, air conditioning, and Coco floor mats.

A two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and fronts refurbished instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer on the Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cab shows 721 miles, which is said to represent the mileage added since the refurbishment.

The 3.5-liter M116 V8 and the Bosch Jetronic fuel injection system were rebuilt under previous ownership. Additional work included a radiator rec-core and the replacement of the heater core, air conditioning system, fuel tank, fuel and vacuum lines, water pump, engine mounts, firewall pad, and hood pad.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission that was rebuilt in November 2021 by Transmeister of Orange, California. Additional work included refinishing the underside, replacing the subframe mounts, and rebuilding the driveshaft and rear end.

Decoding the data plate above reveals the following information: