This beautifully restored 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet presents today as originally delivered in rarely seen original colors of 834G Moosgrün (Moss Green) Metallic paint over 250 cognac leather with a 740 black fabric top. Desirably optioned from new with a 4-speed automatic floor shift transmission, Behr Air conditioning and power windows, this exceptional ‘3.5 cab’ is a rare combination of top-down Mercedes-Benz classic luxury and concours worthy cosmetics.
Highlights
- Superbly restored W111
- Rare original color combination
- Chassis no. 111.027-12-003341
- Engine no. 116.980-12-002947
- Matching numbers
- Restored original colors
- 834G Moosgrün metallic
- 250 cognac leather
- Burled walnut wood dash
- Floor shift 4-speed automatic
- Behr Air Conditioning
- Power windows
- Power antenna
- 3.5 liter M116 V8 engine
- 4-wheel disc brakes
- Becker Stereo
- 740 black fabric top
- Original books
- Original tools and bag
- Copy of factory data card
A Statement Making Mercedes
The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 was considered by most observers in the early 1970’s as the finest car in the world. Its luxurious comfort in concert with well-established Mercedes-Benz engineering prowess made the ‘3-5 Cab’ the most expensive and desirable convertible cruiser money could buy at a Mercedes dealership. Today, the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is both a sought-after collection piece for the Mercedes-Benz aficionado as well as the ultimate classic Mercedes experience in power-driven luxury. This W111 Cabriolet model with its 8-cylinder 3.5 liter engine has long been considered a car that bridges the gap between the classic and modern eras; in the simplest of terms, the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is one of the most widely desired classics Mercedes-Benz has produced, and it is the final truly hand built car conceived by the three pointed star.
As one of only 1,232 examples built, and one of just 802 designated for import into the United States, the superbly and thoroughly restored W111 convertible offered here was delivered new as it presents today in rarely seen 834 Moosgrün (moss green) metallic paint with an ever-desirable 250 cognac leather interior. A burled walnut wood dash compliments the cognac leather while the car was fitted from new with desirable features such as a center console floor shift 4-speed automatic transmission along with factory-installed Behr air conditioning and power windows creating the ultimate combination of care-free luxury appointments. Further notable details include the car being delivered new with instruments in English as a USA version, installation of a Becker radio, an automatic antenna, outside rearview mirror on the left and a soft top in 740 black fabric.
Most recently in the life of this exceptional 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, and particularly worthy of note, chassis 003341 has been owned by and housed within one of the largest and most distinguished Mercedes-Benz collections in Germany, kept alongside some of the most significant pre and post war German classic cars in existence. Prior owners of note include collector Peter Konig of Monaco and Steven Holm of New York, New York. Work peformed over the years as noted in the cars history file shows work done on the car by Mercedes-Benz Classic and M&W Classic in Germany, along with Cooper Classics of New York, New York prior to the 3.5 leaving the United States.
From the standpoint of aesthetics, few 280SE 3.5 Cabriolets have either the quality of restored surfaces or the panache of their factory specified original colors to match that of the example offered here. The 834G Moosgrün metallic paint has been expertly laid down on well-prepared body surfaces resulting in what amounts to a mirror-like finish on the doors, hood, trunk and fenders. All chrome trim has been prepped and re-plated to a high standard to match the quality of the paint. The interior of the car has been been completely refurbished in a similar high quality fashion as the exterior paint and trim, with a completely new 250 Cognac leather interior installed as well as a new burled walnut wood dash. A highly desirable and now otherwise unavailable “retro” modern bluetooth Becker Mexico Radio has also been installed. The convertible top has been expertly redone in correct, as delivered 720 black canvas material while the leather tonneau that covers the top while it is retracted has been redone to match rest of the interior leather.
The engine compartment is very tidy with correct matte finishes present on the black painted portions of the engine. This 3.5 cabriolet retains all of its original component tags including chassis, engine and transmission and is a matching numbers Mercedes-Benz retaining its factory installed original engine along with its original transmission. The undercarriage of the car shows signs of an exceptionally thoroughly restoration process with evidence that all fuels lines and underside components were removed and refinished with a completely repainted underside of the body. There are no signs rust present and no accident damage apparent.
Since arriving at Scott Grundfor Company, 280SE 3.5 chassis 003341 has been test driven and sorted with an emphasis placed on fine-tuning the luxury features of this Mercedes classic so that it’s driving experience mirrors the mechanical precision of the drive train. This car has recently been fully serviced by Scott Grundfor Company while the braking system has been thoroughly inspected and subsequently fine tuned to ensure no brake pulling is present. This W111 cabriolet is ready for road use and functions as originally intended.
Specified from new in the stunning original colors of Moosgrün metallic paint over Cognac leather and the recipient of a thorough refurbishment to original specification, this matching numbers Mercedes-Benz classic is desirably equipped as a 4-speed automatic floor shift example with Behr air conditioning and power windows. Concours capable and primed for regular outings on the open roads, this excellent W111 convertible would be difficult to replicate for its combination of eye-catching original colors and powerful driving presence. This 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet comes with books, tools and copy of factory data card, ready to be driven and enjoyed as desired.