1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
- Engine
- 3.5L SOHC V8, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, 200 bhp at 5,800 rpm
- Colour
- Anthracite gray metallic
A 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet (chassis 11102712000587) from the final year of W111 open-car production, one of only 1,232 built between 1969 and 1971. Originally supplied to its first German owner in Augsburg, the car retains its matching-numbers M116 V8 and automatic transmission, finished in the rare Anthrazitgrau Metallic over Tan leather combination. A comprehensive frame-off restoration was carried out by acknowledged specialist Arthur Bechtel, with just 768 miles accumulated since completion, and the car is accompanied by its original German title documentation.
Ownership
- 2026-05-03Auction saleSold US$390,000
- 1971 →Factory deliveryJoachim H. Lindnerfull documentation
Original first owner, based in Gersthofen, Augsburg; vehicle was continuously registered in Bavaria and supported by an unbroken chain of German registration documents including the original title and deregistration certificate.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationBechtel Motorcompany
Full frame-off restoration executed by Arthur Bechtel of Bechtel Motorcompany to concours standard, using period-correct materials and methods throughout. Work encompassed bodywork refinished in factory Anthrazitgrau Metallic, a rebuilt Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system, overhauled suspension, and renewed ignition and instrumentation, as well as re-trimmed interior in hand-stitched tan leather.
Restoration invoice totalling $312,000 accompanies the car. The vehicle had accumulated only 768 miles at the time of cataloguing.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.