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26 of 127 lots
Lot 26
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Estimate:
$425,000 - $525,000
Starting bid:
$220,000
Sold for
$400,000
Live Auction
Amelia Island Auctions 2024
Description
Chassis: 111.027.12.003254
Engine: 116.980.12.002824

Over $200,000 Concours-Level Restoration Performed by Renowned Expert SL-Tech
Presented in Its Gorgeous Original Color of Medium Blue Metallic (DB 396)
Documented with Original Dealer Order and Other Early Paperwork; Just Three Owners From New
Retains Matching-Numbers Engine per Factory Records; Offered with over 350 Restoration Photographs, Manuals, and Tool Kit
One of the Finest Examples Extant; Subject of a Feature Article in Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car

3,499 CC SOHC V-8 Engine
Bosch D-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection
230 BHP at 5,800 RPM
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Hydraulic Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Coil Springs

One of the most glamorous automobiles of any era, the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is an extraordinary true four-passenger convertible, and just 1,232 were produced from August 1969 through July 1971. Built with no cost spared using extensive hand labor, these high-style, V-8-powered machines were aimed squarely at elite buyers in the US and were the last four-seater Mercedes-Benz convertibles until the 1990s.

This original US-delivery example was finished new in its current shade of Medium Blue Metallic (DB 396) with a dark blue convertible top and blue leather upholstery. According to the original dealer delivery order on file, the car was equipped new with front bucket seats, an automatic transmission, and instruments in English. Other options included a Becker Europa radio with automatic antenna, front-folding armrest, air-conditioning, electric windows, two-tone Klaxon horns, tinted glass, and whitewall tires, bringing its original suggested retail price to $14,437.

The Mercedes-Benz was purchased new by Wesley Miller of East Hampton, New York, and original leasing documents from his purchase remain on file, along with other rarely seen original paperwork. Mr. Miller retained the 3.5 until 2002, when he sold it to Michael Dyke of Alexandria, Virginia, who had Mercedes-Benz specialists SL-Tech of Arundel, Maine, perform a painstaking, no-expense-spared restoration to concours standards. This included full disassembly, a bare-metal repaint using the OEM BASF Glasurit system, metalwork, and rebuilds of the transmission, suspension, rear axle, and an engine rebuild by noted specialists Metric Motors of California. Expert Jim Cosgrove, formerly of the renowned Hatch & Sons Automotive, remade the top at a cost of $20,000. The car’s chrome was replated and countless other items were attended to with fastidious attention. This work is described in wonderful detail in a 2015 article in Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car magazine, in which SL-Tech proprietor Gernold Nisius notes that the total cost of the restoration was over $220,000. Nisius also stated that to do a restoration to this level today would cost as much as $400,000. The restoration is wonderfully documented with over 350 detailed photographs of the process.

Having covered just 1,160 miles since the restoration, the Mercedes-Benz presents in extraordinary condition, with incredible attention to detail throughout. The interior features gorgeous refinished rosewood along with sumptuous gray leather upholstery. This 3.5 Cabriolet is one of the finest examples Gooding & Company has ever had the pleasure of offering. Fitting for an example of this caliber, the Mercedes is accompanied by manuals in their proper vinyl folio, as well as a tool kit.

The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet ranks firmly among the finest and final hand-built motorcars from Mercedes-Benz, and remains an enduring benchmark for comfortable and stylish vintage motoring. With its desirable original color, truly remarkable restoration, and early documentation, this example would be at home in the world’s finest collections.

4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Coil Springs
Michael Dyke, Alexandria, Virginia (acquired from the above in 2002)
Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2014)