1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet

111.027.12.000963roadGermany

Engine: 3.5L V8 with Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, 230 bhp
Colour: Triple black (black exterior)

A left-hand drive, U.S.-market 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet finished in factory-correct triple black, this example is one of only 870 produced for the 1970 model year and among just 1,232 built in total between 1969 and 1971. Powered by a 230 bhp V-8 with Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, it carries its original factory equipment specification and has a documented connection to Barbara Orbison, widow of singer Roy Orbison.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$434,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
→ 2008Private sale
Barbara Orbison
partial documentation
Widow of Roy Orbison; acquired the car from Isringhausen Imports at an unspecified date prior to 2008, then sold to the consignor.
2008 →Private sale
Current consignor
full documentation
Purchased via broker Paul Isringhausen; commissioned full exterior repaint, interior refurbishment by Madera Concepts, and over $30,000 in mechanical servicing by Laurent De Give.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Isringhausen Imports
partial documentation
Dealership sold the car to Barbara Orbison and later brokered its sale to the consignor; correspondence on file references this involvement.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2009Service
Laurent De Give & Co.
First of two major service regimens addressing fuel, ignition, braking, and heating systems.
Part of an ongoing programme of mechanical work totalling over $30,000 documented by invoices on file.
2015Service
Laurent De Give & Co.
Second major service regimen, again concentrating on fuel, ignition, braking, and heating systems.
Carried out at the same Buford, Georgia workshop responsible for the broader mechanical maintenance programme.
—Bodywork
Madera Concepts
Exterior repainted in factory-correct black to the original specification; interior trim also refurbished to a matching standard.
Interior trim work carried out by Madera Concepts, Goleta, California.

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