1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet

111.025.12.001955roadGermany

Engine: 2.8L inline-six (M130), 158 hp
Colour: 'Mittelblau' (medium blue)

A 1969 Mercedes-Benz W111 cabriolet fitted with the 2.8-litre inline-six introduced for that model year, this car is notable as an unrestored US-market delivery example retaining its original engine, paintwork, and interior. First delivered in May 1969 to Gerald Tsai Jr of New York City, it was continuously serviced by a single Connecticut dealer throughout its American life and remained within the Tsai family until at least 2005, after which it was exported to Europe. A 51-page condition report attests to its exceptional state of preservation.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold €143,000 (≈ $157K)
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
—Auction sale
Sold €120,000 (≈ $132K)
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1969-05-01 →Factory delivery
Gerald Tsai Jr
full documentation
First owner, took delivery at Park Ave address in New York City. Serviced exclusively through a Connecticut dealership throughout the ownership period.
→ 2005Acquisition unknown
Tsai family
partial documentation
Retained within the same family at least through 2005, after which the vehicle was shipped to Europe.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
European owner
none documentation
Car was brought to Europe after 2005; currently kept in Reutlingen, Germany.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—Service
Imported Cars of Greenwich
Routine servicing carried out repeatedly throughout the car's American ownership by a single dealership, as documented in the original service book.
All service entries are recorded in the original service booklet, which accompanies the car.
—Inspection
Klaus Kukuk
Comprehensive 51-page written condition assessment evaluating the car's state of preservation.
Report supports the car's claimed unrestored, original condition.

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