Beschreibung:

2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection 160bhp at 5,500rpm 4-Speed Automatic Transmission 4-Wheel Independent Suspension 4-Wheel Disc Brakes *Highly original, low-mileage example of the Classic W111-series Mercedes-Benz *Retains matching numbers engine and factory color combination *Equipped with factory Behr air conditioning and Becker Grand Prix radio *Offered with copy of Mercedes-Benz built sheet, books and tools THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE Publicly displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1967, Mercedes-Benz's fifteen 'New Generation' models went on sale the following January. But although the fuel-injected 280SE saloon shared its bodywork with the 'New Generation' 280S, the 280SE Coupe and Cabriolet retained the elegant looks of the outgoing 250SE that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE; the 2,778cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder Type M130 engine though, was all new. In fuel-injected 'SE' form the M130 produced 160bhp at 5,500rpm, an output sufficient to propel the manual transmission model to 118mph, with the automatic not far behind. Just as important in an age when automobile induced atmospheric pollution was becoming a hot political issue, was the fact that the M130 brought with it improved fuel economy and more efficient control of emissions. Production of the 280SE Coupe and Cabriolet totaled a little over 5,000 units between 1968 and 1972 when production ceased. Today, these timelessly elegant Grand Tourers are keenly sought after by connoisseurs of fine automobiles. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This lovely example of the timeless W111 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet was completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory in November of 1969 as a 1970 model-year car, and finished much as it appears today in the classic Dark Olive 291H color. During the 4-year production run only 1,390 of these open 280SEs were produced, making this a relatively rare sight on the road. Much of the car's history remains unknown, but the current owner purchased the vehicle out of the estate of a Cornell University professor, who we are led to believe is the original owner. This elegant 280SE cabriolet remains in largely original and unrestored condition, and shows well inside and out. Just 54,831 miles are recorded on the odometer at time of cataloguing – a figure which is indeed believed to represent the cars actual mileage. The exterior paint shows well in the as-factory delivered color, and is believed to be largely original. The chrome and bright work appears original, and in equally good shape. Once inside, the highly original interior in the beautiful option number 250 cognac leather invites, neatly contrasted by elegant burl wood, which has also been detailed to the highest standards. The front carpets have been replaced, matching the originals. A period-correct Becker Grand Prix radio adorns the dashboard area, and the correct Behr air conditioning system rounds out the opulent interior appointments. Recent refurbishments include replacement of radiator hoses, battery and the convertible top. The luxurious Mercedes-Benz is neatly fitted with color-coded hubcaps and features the classic, low-grille frontal look that these cars are known for. The open cabriolet design looks fantastic from every angle, and the car exhibits a level of class that can be compared to few other cars of the era. With an automatic transmission, power windows and air conditioning, the car retains some very desirable options. Offered with original Mercedes-Benz' factory tool kit, books and a copy of the factory built sheet, this stylish 280SE Cabriolet is perfect to be used on Sunday drives. The high build quality of these fine automobiles makes them very reliable and user friendly, and one could actually imagine using a car of this quality as a daily driver. Classic, elegant and of very high quality, this Mercedes-Benz would be a great fit in any collection.