1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 cabriolet
1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 cabriolet
050H White with red leather
Serial Number 11102510002797
Factory prototype used to homologate the 3.5 cabriolet
Floor shift automatic transmission
Factory original colors
3.5 litre V8 engine
Our 3.5 cabriolet was built in May of 1969 as a 280SE cabriolet with the M130 in-line 6 cylinder engine. The Mercedes Benz factory then modified the 280SE with the M116 3.5 litre V8 engine in order to homologate the model for production with the German TUEV – Technisher Ueberwachungs Verein / Technical Monitoring Association. Following the now 3.5 cabriolet’s use for model certification, it was sold to the Mercedes Benz main dealer in Holland, and would then make its way to the states in 1985. Spending just a short time in Pennsylvania, the 3.5 would be in an enthusiast’s collection in suburban Boston from 1986 – 1999. During that time, significant restorative work was performed with marque specialist, Hatch & Sons Automotive. Later in 1999 the 3.5 would be sold into the collection where we offer it from today, with continuing work performed both with Hatch & Sons early on, and then with Jim Cosgrove’s OldTimer Restoration Center. Nearly 400,000 of all variants – sedans, coupes, and cabriolets – were built on the W111 chassis from 1959 – 1971, with a mere 1,282 280SE 3.5 V8 cabriolets produced. The 3.5 cabriolet the ideal model to close the chapter on the now iconic W111 chassis and considered the very last of the “hand builts.” Showing and driving beautifully today in its original colors of 050 White with red leather, red rugs, black convertible top and ivory steering wheel, and of course fitted with our beloved tri-color Coco Mats, our 3.5 cabriolet a very special example from Mercedes Benz history.
