Dripping with Elegance
There’s no denying the appeal of a classic Mercedes-Benz. Whether it’s something from the early-2000s or the iconic ’80s lineup, these will crane the necks of both casual onlookers and car enthusiasts. But when you look at the more vintage offerings, such as the ones from the ’70s and earlier, many are simply lovely and elegant.
A prime example of that would be the W111 Cabriolet. Introduced in 1961, it was topless and elegant version of the otherwise upright ‘Fintail’ sedans from 1959. It also featured unique styling that further seperated it from its more practical counterpart, and the result was pure class on wheels. It wasn’t a grand tourer, but rather, a personal luxury vehicle that just so happened to be built like a tank.
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The Backstory
The W111 cabriolet came in many variations and ran from 1961 to 1971. It started out with the 220SE, then evolved into the 250SE and, eventually the 280SE. But towards the end of its production run, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 280SE 3.5, giving it the V8 engine it always deserved. The eight-cylinder versions of these cars were christened with the nickname of flachkühler for its flatter radiator grille. Built from 1969 to 1971, only 1,232 were ever made.
Given its rarity and provenance, it’s no surprise that these cars are guaranteed six figures when it’s time to sell. Indeed, Classic.com currently places current market values for a tidy example at just over $324,600. It’s not too often to see one in an auction since so little were made, so we’re glad to have stumbled upon this one on Bring a Trailer. It’s an original U.S-spec model, making it even less common. Admittedly, this one has had some restoration work done to it, and the original color of Medium Blue has been changed in favor of light blue. There are some blemishes on the wheels, but it still looks like a well-kept example. From the paint and brightwork to the interior, this vintage car looks ready for prime time – again.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (W111) |
| Year | 1971 |
| Mileage | 7,983 miles shown (rolled odometer) |
| Engine | 3.5-liter M116 V8 |
| Power | 197 horsepower |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Light blue |
| Interior color | Dark blue |
| Wheels | 14-inch steel wheels with color-matched covers |
| Suspension | Double-wishbone front, swing axle rear |
| Brakes | Four-wheel solid disc |
| Steering | Hydraulic recirculating ball steering |
| Current bid | $6,600 |
Interested in this car? View the listing here.
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Why it’s Special
Today, a large luxury coupe or convertible is close to impossible to justify to bean counters. The market for it is there, but it’s not enough to justify building and developing one. Mercedes-Benz is also counting its pennies right now, so something like a modern-day S-Class cabriolet simply isn’t going to happen. Still, we can look back at models like the 280SE 3.5 to remind us of a time where the car market was a tad simpler, and quite possibly, more stylish.
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About the author
Anton Andres
News Editor