1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
- Engine
- 3.5L V8
- Colour
- Light Ivory over Cognac leather
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is among the final examples of the marque's hand-assembled luxury convertibles, powered by a 3.5-litre V8 and trimmed in Light Ivory over Cognac leather with a tailored soft top. Delivered new through Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood on 26 April 1971 to its first owner, the car remained with that individual for roughly four decades before passing through a specialist and into a prominent American collection. It is accompanied by an exceptional suite of original documentation including the window sticker, data card, service booklet, and California registration records.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$320,000
- —Auction saleSold US$357,000
- 1971-04-26 →Factory deliveryOriginal Los Angeles ownerfull documentation
Took delivery via Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard; maintained the car at authorized facilities through late 1976, by which point the odometer showed roughly 75,000 miles. Held the car for approximately four decades.
- → 2016Private saleScott Melnickpartial documentation
A Mercedes-Benz specialist who undertook a refresh of the leather cabin and beige soft-top before moving the car on.
- 2016 → 2022Private saleProminent American automotive collectionpartial documentation
Kept the car in active but careful use; service invoices confirm ongoing maintenance during this period.
- 2022 →Private saleCurrent consignorfull documentation
Added a beltline pinstripe and chrome wheel lip moldings as minor cosmetic enhancements; continued documented servicing.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1976ServiceMercedes-Benz facilities
Regular servicing at authorised Mercedes-Benz facilities documented up to this date, with the odometer then reading approximately 75,000 miles.
Recorded in the original maintenance booklet.
- —RestorationScott Melnick
Interior refreshed with renewed Cognac leather upholstery and a replacement beige soft top.
Carried out by the specialist owner prior to the 2016 sale.
- —Service
Ongoing routine servicing and upkeep documented by service invoices during the period of ownership by the American collection.
Invoices present in the accompanying documentation.
- —Modification
Beltline pinstripe and chrome wheel lip trim mouldings added for visual enhancement.
Carried out by the current consignor after 2022 acquisition.
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