1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet

111.027-12-001031roadGermany

Engine: 3.5L V8 (M116), 233 bhp
Colour: Midnight Blue

A left-hand-drive, US-market Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet completed in April 1970, finished originally in Midnight Blue over black leather with a black fabric hood. Powered by the 3.5-litre M116 V8, the model represented the pinnacle of the W111 coachbuilt line styled by Paul Bracq. The car spent decades on the American West Coast before moving to Arizona, underwent a full restoration near Denver prior to 2015, and subsequently returned to Europe. The engine was later comprehensively rebuilt by Los Angeles marque specialist Metric Motors.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$324,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1971 →Acquisition unknown
California resident
partial documentation
First registered owner in California; original specification included Midnight Blue paint and black leather interior. The car remained on the West Coast for an extended period.
→ 2015Acquisition unknown
Arizona private collector
partial documentation
Vehicle was relocated from California to Arizona before this ownership period. A comprehensive restoration was performed by a Colorado shop prior to the car's return to Europe in 2015.
2015 →Acquisition unknown
Current European owner
partial documentation
Brought the car back to Europe and commissioned a full engine rebuild by a well-regarded Los Angeles marque specialist, with documented expenditure of roughly $14,000 in parts and labor.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—Restoration
Denver-area restoration shop
Comprehensive restoration carried out at a workshop outside Denver, Colorado, encompassing a repaint in Midnight Blue, installation of new Bamboo leather upholstery, a replacement blue fabric cabriolet hood, and a full overhaul of the mechanical systems.
Work was completed prior to the car leaving the United States in 2015.
—Engine rebuild
Metric Motors
Complete engine rebuild by Metric Motors of Canoga Park, California, covering machining, new pistons, rings, bearings, timing chains and rails, valves, lifters, ancillary accessories, and cylinder head remediation work.
Documented by an invoice on file totalling approximately $14,000 in labour and parts. Work carried out under current ownership after the car reached Europe.

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