1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Convertible

Lot details
Registration No: JBY373J
Chassis No: 11102722001938
Mot Expiry: May 2004

With their stay fresh looking for years styling, Mercedes-Benz model changes have always been more evolutionary than revolutionary. One major change, however, was in 1968 when new W114/115 bodyshells came into production, their new vertical headlamp fronted models being more aerodynamic than before.
In best Merc tradition, too, a wide variety of engines were available in the 200, 200D, 220, 220D, 230, 250 or 280. In addition to the saloons, there were 2-door coupes, with 250 and 280 engines, and two 220D and 230 limos. Larger 1968-1971 saloons with W108 bodyshells were also offered with choice of 280 6-cylinder or, as in the 350, 3499cc 8-cylinder motor.
The 280SE 3.5 convertible offered here, one of only sixty-eight such cars with righthand drive, left the Stuttgart factory in 1970 destined for Surrey dealers Thompson and Taylor. A Lord of the realm is said to have been the first of only four owners, another being the onetime Aston Martin factory team and GP driver Roy Salvadori, whilst it has belonged to the present owner for the past thirteen years.
With 80,000 claimed to be genuine total miles displayed when entered for this sale and some service history on file, he tells us that the car still drives superbly. The chassis and convertible bodywork is said to be very good, the silver metallic paintwork also very good, and both 3.5-litre V8 engine and automatic transmission in excellent order.