1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet

111.027-12-000028roadGermany

Engine: 3.5L V8 with Bosch electronic fuel injection, 200 hp
Colour: Medium Blue Metallic

The 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet is among the rarest and most luxurious of the W111 series, one of only 870 examples built for that model year from a total production run of 1,232. Delivered new on 27 January 1970 to a Duisburg dealer, it retains its numbers-matching V-8 engine and original Medium Blue Metallic over Parchment leather colour scheme. Prior to joining the Todd Blue LAPIS Collection, it received a comprehensive cosmetic restoration by noted marque specialist Jürgen Klockemann of San Jose, California.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$329,500
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1970-01-27 →Factory delivery
Emil Ohmen Mercedes-Benz
full documentation
Originating dealer in Duisburg, Germany; took factory delivery on 27 January 1970. Build certificate on file confirms numbers-matching engine and full specification details.
Date unknown
European owner or owners, identity unrecorded
none documentation
Vehicle remained on the European continent for an unspecified period before being exported to the United States. A Behr air-conditioning system was added during this phase of ownership.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Todd Blue LAPIS Collection
partial documentation
Prior to acquisition, the car underwent a thorough cosmetic restoration by Mercedes-Benz specialist Jürgen Klockemann in San Jose, California, covering bodywork, interior, and convertible top.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—
Modification
A factory-style Behr air-conditioning system was retrofitted to the car during a prior ownership, consistent with Mercedes-Benz period factory specifications.
Carried out before the car entered the LAPIS Collection; timing and installer unrecorded.
—Restoration
Jürgen Klockemann
Comprehensive cosmetic restoration encompassing a bare-metal repaint in the original Medium Blue Metallic factory shade, full reupholstery in Parchment leather matching the original specification, fitting of a new dark blue fabric hood, and refinishing of the dashboard wood inserts in burled walnut. Carpets were changed from blue square-weave to parchment to harmonise with the interior.
Carried out in San Jose, California, prior to the car entering the LAPIS Collection. Klockemann is recognised in Mercedes-Benz specialist circles for W111 and 300 SL expertise.

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