Chassis No. 111.027.12.001981

In response to increasing demand from North American dealers, Mercedes-Benz introduced an all-new generation of V8 engines, marking a significant evolution in their lineup. The V8s were introduced in two prestigious models: the 300 SEL 3.5 Sedan and the 280 SE 3.5 Coupe and Cabriolet. The latter, introduced in late 1969, was designed to supplant the six-cylinder 280 SE and quickly became an international symbol of luxury and exclusivity. With an initial price tag of over $12,000, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupe and Cabriolet were aimed at those customers seeking the finest hand-craftsmanship and performance. The Cabriolet's soft top is a complex design requiring hours of hand labor to assemble. As a result of its lavish price when new, and detailed assembly process, only 1,232 examples of the 3.5 Cabriolet were produced between 1969 and 1971.

These 3.5-liter V8s, though smaller in displacement compared to contemporary American offerings, utilized cutting-edge technology, including overhead camshafts and one of the first applications of electronic fuel injection. The V8s were also designed with weight savings in mind, featuring numerous aluminum components such as the cylinder heads, making them lighter than many six-cylinder engines.

Ordered new in Silver Grey (180), this 1971 3.5 Cabriolet hails from the model's penultimate model year. Destined for the U.S.-market, the car was well equipped with Behr air conditioning, electric power windows, floor shift automatic transmission, a lefthand side view mirror, Becker Europa radio, and an automatic antenna. The accompanying service book shows the car was sold new in the Chicago metro area, with the first service taking place in Oak Park, Illinois, at 924 miles on 5 November 1970. The car book shows the car was later serviced in Barrington, Illinois, beginning in 1972.

Seeing limited use as the years went on, the car is offered with just 49,000 miles at the time of cataloging, a figure which is believed to be original. In 2016, the car was brought to two highly regarded Mercedes-Benz facilities in the U.S. - Paul Russell and Company and European Auto Solutions – where $30,000 was spent on service work. Part of this service involved replacing the front seat leather, while original leather can be found throughout the rest of the interior. An internal inspection of the engine high degree of originality including its unstretched timing chain and wear consistent with its low mileage. Additional work included servicing the transmission, fuel injection, and ignition systems along with adjusting the valves.

Today, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet remains a remarkably original example. As noted by the consigning specialist, this car is a well-detailed example with excellent fit and finish along with its wonderful chrome trim. Resplendent with numerous factory-applied details throughout, the car is a shining example of one of the last hand-built models ever produced by Mercedes-Benz and the pinnacle of personal luxury of its era.