Beskrivning
This car is Lot 114 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 114
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3. 5 Cabriolet
Registration no.
Chassis no. 111. 027. 12. 002107
3, 499cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
230bhp at 6, 050rpm (SAE)
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Disc Brakes
* The last of the hand finished Mercedes-Benz flagships
* Tunis Beige Metallic paint over Cognac Leather upholstery
* One of 1, 232 total Cabriolets produced, of only 347 made for 1971
* Complete restoration performed by marque expert Scott Melnick
* Desirably equipped with floor shift, Behr air conditioning, Becker Europa radio
* Accompanied with books and tool kit
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE
The graceful and stylish W111 served as the flagship Mercedes-Benz production model from the 1960s into the early 1970s. Initially offered in two- or four-door variants, the four-seat coupes and cabriolets outlived their befinned "Heckflosse" sedan stablemates by several years, thanks to designer Paul Bracq's timeless, sophisticated styling. Assembled and hand-finished to a high standard in the legendary Sindelfingen limousine factory using the finest materials and fittings available, the W111 offered quality, luxury, and style on par with automobiles like the vastly more expensive Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow while delivering the refinement and engineering excellence that Mercedes-Benz buyers expected. The 280SE 3. 5 Cabriolet was quite an expensive car when new, costing approximately $14, 500 when optioned, which was about the same price as a brand new Ferrari 275 GTB a few years prior.
In the autumn of 1969, Mercedes-Benz introduced a completely new engine to give the W111 series a new lease on life. A compact new V8 engine, dubbed M116, with alloy heads and Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection provided a welcome boost in performance, particularly at highway speeds. Paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox, powerful disc brakes, and suspension tuned to toe the line between comfort and grip, the 280SE 3. 5 delivered a driving experience that few contemporaries could match.
THE CAR OFFERED
This exceptional example of the era's flagship Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet was completed by hand at the Mercedes-Benz factory in July of 1970 destined for the US. Under previous ownership, the car received a full restoration, compliments of noted Mercedes-Benz restorer and mechanic, Scott Melnick. The restoration attended to both mechanical and cosmetic areas of the car, and the result is nothing less than breathtaking.
Tunis Beige Metallic (462) adorns the stunning Cabriolet bodywork, while the luxurious interior is trimmed in Cognac, and topped by elegant, polished wood. Known for their smoothness of operation, the 3. 5-liter SOHC V8 under the hood embodies this trait entirely and makes the car effortless to drive, even in modern traffic thanks to its power on tap. This fine example features the desirable floor mounted automatic gear shift, giving the car a more modern feel as opposed to the steering column mounted shifting arrangement. Other options are electric windows, an outside rear view mirror to the left side, a Becker Europa radio with automatic antenna and the hugely desirable Behr air conditioning.
The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3. 5's desirability stems from a combination of its rarity and effortless luxury, reliability and operation. An example restored to exacting standards such as this in such a striking color combination, is surely a must-have for any true enthusiast.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
