Beschreibung:

3,499cc SOHC V8 Engine Bosch Fuel Injection 200bhp at 5,800rpm 4-Speed Automatic Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Disc Brakes *Desirable and luxurious 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet with floor shift *No expense spared restoration by Scott Melnick *Finished in stunning livery Anthracite Gray over Burgundy Leather *Recently serviced, Top-of-the-line, hand-built Mercedes-Benz of supreme quality THE MERCEDES-BENZ W111 "If you feel obligated to ask about the price you not only will never understand the car, you have branded yourself incapable of ever appreciating its virtues even if someone gave you one." - Car & Driver on the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5. Introduced in late 1969 as a prestige model to supplant the somewhat underpowered six-cylinder 280SE, the V8-powered, W111-Series 280SE 3.5, in both Coupe and Convertible form, was of immediate appeal to wealthy customers who were accustomed to having the best quality and workmanship available in an automobile, but didn't need or desire the next step up, the over-the-top 600. The hand-built body of the new model was slightly restyled, with a cleaner and flatter nose and radiator shell, but was still quite conservative. Beneath the wide hood there now rested a Bosch fuel-injected, 200bhp overhead-cam V8 with 211 foot-pounds of torque designed to deliver excellent performance. One reviewer referred to it as having a "hot-rod"-like persona with a lovely exhaust snarl, while meeting ever-more strict emissions laws in the US, the company's most vital market. The compact, but sturdy engine was capable of moving this big 4/5-seater to 60 miles an hour in under 10 seconds, and offered a top speed in excess of 125mph. Large vacuum-assisted disc brakes at each corner allowed the driver to slow with ease, and handling was described as very comfortable, thanks to its coil-sprung independent suspension. The craftsmen at Sindelfingen produced just 1,232 of these V8 Cabriolets, making them extremely rare. Both the open and closed versions of the 3.5 were fitted with just about every luxury amenity a buyer could ask for. The few choices remaining pertained to paint and interior trim colors, which model of Becker stereo system was desired, and electric seat-back adjustment. It all added up to an impressively costly automobile, with a starting price exceeding $13,000. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This exceptional example of the era's flagship Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet was completed by hand at the Mercedes-Benz factory in September of 1970. Sold originally to a presumably lucky resident of Las Vegas, the subsequent esteemed owner moved this luxurious Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 V8 Cabriolet to the coastal sunshine of Malibu, California. Roughly a decade ago, the 3.5 Cabriolet was purchased by the consignor—a prominent Los Angeles-based collector of exceptional sporting motorcars—and soon after received a full restoration compliments of a 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. Anthracite Grey paint adorns the stunning Cabriolet bodywork, while the luxurious interior is trimmed in right Burgundy leather, and topped by elegant polished wood finishes. 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 power on tap. This fine example features the desirable floor mounted gear shift, giving the car a more modern feel as opposed to the steering column mounted shifting arrangement. Since the completion of the refurbishment, just 2,500 miles have passed under the wheels. Accordingly, little can be found in the way of wear (both in the interior and outside) and the chrome shines with prevailing luster. A recent service has been performed, ensuring the Mercedes-Benz performs its very best. The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5's desirability stems