1971 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3,5

BLUE METALLIC WITH TAN HIDE, BLUE HOOD

1 OF ONLY 68 RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS, CORRECT MATCHING NUMBERS

SPECIFICATION INCLUDES:- METALLIC PAINT, LEATHER INTERIOR, FLOOR SHIFT AUTOMATIC, FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING, ELECTRIC WINDOWS, BILSTEIN SHOCK ABSORBERS, VENEERED DASHBOARD, BLUE HOOD, MICHELIN XWX WHITEWALL TYRES, IMMOBILISER AND BLAUPUNKT STEREO RADIO.

Hexagon Classics are delighted to offer this superb, hand-built Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet in rare right-hand drive form. Built to exceptional standards, these models rivalled Rolls-Royce and Bentley convertibles as the ultimate four-seat luxury cabriolets. Only in production between July 1970 and September 1972, the 280SE 3.5 is notable as one of the last Mercedes' saloons to be hand built.

Introduced in late 1969, the V8-powered W111 280 SE 3.5 replaced the six-cylinder 280 SE, appealing to buyers seeking top-tier craftsmanship without stepping up to the extravagant 600. Its hand-built body featured subtly refined styling and a Bosch fuel-injected 200 bhp V8 producing 211 lb-ft of torque: praised for its performance, refinement, and distinctive exhaust note.

With 0-62 mph in under 10 seconds and a top speed exceeding 125 mph, the 3.5 delivered effortless power, aided by vacuum-assisted disc brakes and coil-sprung independent suspension for superb comfort. Crafted at Sindelfingen, each example was lavishly equipped, leaving only paint, trim, and Becker stereo options to the buyer. As the final model to feature this celebrated body style, the 280 SE 3.5 is now highly prized by collectors. Previous owners have included The Verve’s frontman Richard Ashcroft.

This ultra-rare right-hand drive example features the desirable floor-mounted 4-speed automatic gearbox, air conditioning, stereo radio, electric aerial, and over mats. Extensively recommissioned recently it will be supplied to the new owner fully serviced.  It is complete with original handbook, and history file showing restoration work, with invoices from leading classic Mercedes-Benz experts such as O’Keeffe, Roger Edwards and Nigel Cooper Coachworks. Recent works have also included a new Michelin tyre set, road springs, Bilstein shock absorbers and under bonnet matting, door rubbers and exhaust tail pipes.

A truly refined four-seat cabriolet, the 280 SE 3.5 combines classic elegance with modern usability, cruising comfortably at today’s speeds with exceptional refinement.

Now available for viewing at our London showrooms.