One of the most glamorous automobiles regardless of the era, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is rare to match, with just 1,232 produced from August 1969 through July 1971. Built with no cost spared using extensive hand labor, these high-style, V-8 powered image leaders were aimed squarely at elite buyers in the US and were the last four-place Mercedes-Benz convertibles until the 1990s.

This original US-delivery example, believed by marque experts to be one of as few as 802, was completed during May 1970, sporting Tobacco Brown (DB 423) paint with a dark brown convertible top, Parchment leather upholstery, and dark brown carpeting. According to a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card, abundant factory-original features included front bucket seats, a column-shifted automatic transmission, US instruments, and driver’s side and rearview mirrors. Other choice features included a Becker Europa radio, folding armrest with stowage box, Behr air conditioner and electric window lifts, tinted windshield and door glass, and steel wheels with one-piece hubcaps mounting whitewall tires.

According to known history, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet carries long-term California provenance, believed by the consignor to have been sold new there. Never fully restored, the vehicle benefited from selective cosmetic and mechanical freshening over the past decade, including a repaint in factory-specified Tobacco Brown. The Parchment leather seating surfaces are correct and attractive, as are the dark brown carpeting and burl-wood dash inserts. The air-conditioning system has been updated with modern refrigerant and lines, a four-piece set of Coco mats and a matching top-boot cover round out the interior accommodations. According to the consignor, the lights, instruments, and weather equipment operate properly, and the odometer displayed approximately 84,000 miles at cataloguing.

Correct throughout, the Mercedes-Benz retains its factory spot welds, fender chassis stamping, finishes, decals, plaques, and tags. Smooth, turbine-like power is delivered by the original M116 SOHC 3.5-liter V-8 engine and automatic transmission, with the engine bay and front suspension presented in excellent condition. The trunk contains a correct vinyl floor mat with a tool roll, spare, and emergency accessories in place. All four wheels display a September 1969 date stamp. A set of top-latch handles reside in the glove compartment, along with the comprehensive set of factory-issued booklets and manuals within a proper vinyl folio.

The 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet ranks firmly among the finest and final hand-built motorcars from Mercedes-Benz, and remains an enduring benchmark for grand touring automobiles. Well suited to collectors and enthusiasts alike, this true motoring icon is highly equipped and ready to enjoy.