This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 is one of approximately 1,232 cabriolet models built between 1969 and 1971, and it underwent a multi-year refurbishment that was completed in 1990. Work included a repaint in red, reupholstering the interior in Parchment leather, and refreshing the undercarriage. The car is powered by a fuel-injected 3.5-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and equipment includes a beige soft top, 14” steel wheels, quad headlights, chrome bumpers, wood interior trim, air conditioning, power windows, a Becker AM/FM radio, and a Sirius XM receiver. The tires were recently replaced. Acquired by the seller on BaT in January 2023, this W111 cabriolet is now offered with literature, recent records, spare parts, and a Rhode Island title in the seller’s name.
The car left the factory finished in Red Metallic (571), and the body was stripped to bare metal and repairs were made to the quarter panels, right-side rocker panel, and floor before a repaint circa 1988. The beige soft top was replaced, and additional details include quad headlights, chrome bumpers, and a driver-side mirror. Refurbishment invoices are presented in the gallery.
The 14″ steel wheels feature bright-finished covers with color-matched centers, and whitewall tires were mounted under current ownership. The suspension includes an independent double-wishbone front setup with coil springs along with a rear single-joint swing axle. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted disc brakes at each corner, and the car is equipped with power steering.
The front bucket seats and rear bench are trimmed in Parchment leather and are joined by a color-coordinated dash pad, door panels, and carpets. Wood trim accents the dashboard, A-pillars, and center console, and additional appointments include a Becker Europa AM/FM push-button radio, and a clock. The air conditioning system was converted to function with R134a refrigerant two decades ago, and a Sirius XM receiver has been installed.
The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and fronts VDO instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 81k miles.
The 3.5-liter M116 V8 features Bosch Jetronic fuel injection and was factory rated at 197 horsepower and 211 lb-ft of torque. The timing chain and tensioner were replaced about 20 years ago.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.
Decoding the data plate reveals the following information:
- 571 – Red Metallic Paint
- 420 – Floor-shifted automatic transmission
- 491 – Version for USA
- 503 – Left-side mirror
- 513 – Becker Europa radio
- 531 – Power-operated antenna
- 586 – Behr air conditioning and power windows
The Rhode Island title carries an “Exceeds” brand and lists “Exceeds Mechanical Limit” and a reading of 999,999 miles in the Odometer Reading section. The title is listed as a duplicate.