- Withdrawn

Registration No: XPL 444G
Chassis No: 11102422002147
MOT: Exempt

• Off the road for more than a decade prior to entering the Cambrian Collection
• Professionally converted from Fixed Head Coupe to Roadster configuration with strengthened sills and a reinforced floorpan
• Finished in the gorgeous combination of Austin-Healey Ice Blue metallic with Cognac leather upholstery
• Extensive history file

Faster and more powerful than its 300SE predecessor, the 280SE was the ultimate six-cylinder expression of Paul Bracq’s iconic and oh so elegant W111-series pillarless Coupe. Sharing its 2.8 litre, fuel injected SOHC engine with the contemporary 280SL sportscar, the four-seater was effectively handbuilt. Equipped with power steering, all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes not to mention not to mention sumptuous leather upholstery and a wood inlaid dashboard, the 280SE was a paragon of luxury and refinement. Among the best looking cars of the 1960s in either Coupe or Cabriolet guise, its hefty price tag ensured limited sales. Thus, just 150 of the 3,797 280SE Coupes made were to right-hand drive specification.

Among less than 100 UK-supplied examples, ‘XPL 444G’ had been off the road for several years when it entered the Cambrian Collection during 2024. The subject of an extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration whilst owned by R.J. Mody Esq of London W2 during the early 1980s, its accompanying history file also records thousands of pounds worth of expenditure into the 2010s. Inspired by the California Coupe which Mercedes-Benz offered across its W113 range (230SL / 250SL / 280SL), the vendor chose to convert the 280SE into a ‘California Roadster’ as part of an extensive bodywork restoration. Bereft of any form of roof, the four-seater retains wind-up windows should its passengers wish to shelter from the airstream at speed. Arguably better strengthened than Mercedes-Benz’s own 280SE Cabriolet, ‘XPL 444G’ features specially re-engineered sills and a reinforced floorpan. The doors open and close with ease and scuttle shake is kept to a minimum. Finished in the stunning combination of Austin-Healey Ice Blue Metallic with Cognac leather upholstery, the Mercedes-Benz turns heads wherever it goes. Looking like an escapee from a film set or an advertisement shoot, ‘XPL 444G’ is thought to have covered circa 36,000 miles since its engine and automatic gearbox were rejuvenated. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file dating back almost fifty years, it started readily during our recent photography session. Four-seater 1960s cars rarely come much cooler!

The Cambrian Collection

An engineer by profession, the owner of the Cambrian Collection counts Classic Car and Classic Boat restoration companies among his commercial interests. Keen to demonstrate the breadth of his team’s skills, many of the vehicles within the collection were used as mobile showcases and refurbished over a protracted period. Some have yet to be fully run-in / debugged but all are indicative of a love of motorised transport. No prizes for guessing that Blue and open-top motoring are decided preferences! A desire to reprofile and slim down the Cambrian Collection is the reason for sale.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737