Lot details
Registration No: BGP 11H
Chassis No: 11102722000818
Mot Expiry: March 2013

For many the last word in 1960s automotive chic, the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of Mercedes-Benz's W110/111 series 'Fintail' range were styled by Paul Bracq. Introduced during August 1969, the ultimate 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet derivative sported a "Flachkuhler" grille that was 100mm wider and 70mm shorter than the one found on its older siblings. A masterclass in understated elegance and simplicity of line, the newcomer was powered by a 3499cc SOHC V8 which Mercedes-Benz modestly referred to as the 'engine of tomorrow'. Equipped with Bosch fuel injection and transistorized ignition, the alloy unit was notably smooth, flexible and punchy (230bhp / 211lbft). Typically allied to four-speed automatic transmission (with either a column- or floor-mounted gear selector), it reputedly enabled the droptop to sprint from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds and reach 125mph. A surprisingly adept handler given its boulevardier looks, the 280SE 3.5 employed all-round independent suspension (double-wishbone front / low-pivot swing axle rear), power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Boasting leather upholstery, wood veneers and a multi-layered hood, the interior could seat four / five in comfort. On a par price-wise with the fearsomely expensive 'Grosser' Mercedes-Benz 600, the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet proved predictably exclusive. Arguably the Stuttgart marque's most desirable post-WW2 open four-seater, the model forces precious few compromises on the modern motorist. Only in production for two years, just 1,232 are thought to have been made of which a mere 68 were to right-hand drive specification.

According to its accompanying copy factory datacard, this particular example was completed to right-hand drive UK market specification on 26th March 1970. Ordered with such niceties as a blue soft-top and electric windows, the Mercedes-Benz was road registered as `BGP 11H' by London County Council on 16th June 1970. Basically sound but tired by the time marque aficionado Stewart Imber acquired it some three decades later, the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet subsequently underwent a total restoration. Something of a perfectionist, Mr Imber went to considerable lengths to obtain new old stock or genuine replacement parts as necessary. M&A Coachworks of Highgate, North London were tasked with refurbishing the bodywork (including a bare metal respray), while R&R Quality Trim of Kensal Rise, North London were commissioned to retrim the interior using the correct Rosa leather (interestingly, R&R Quality Trim can also count P&A Wood among their clients). Well regarded within the Mercedes-Benz Owners' Club, TM (Tony Montalbano) Motors of West Moseley, Surrey despatched the car's original V8 engine and four-speed automatic gearbox to Germany for a thorough overhaul prior to reinstallation. German craftsmen were responsible for hand-making the fitted luggage too. Though, the desirable BEHR air-conditioning system which adorns the centre console was sourced from America and rejuvenated in the UK. The brightwork was all re-chromed or renewed and the whole car brought up to concours condition.

Finished in Navy Blue with Cream leather upholstery and looking simply stunning when it appeared at our September 2001 Buxton auction `BGP 11H' was sold to Italy. Subsequent changes of ownership saw the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet migrate to the Far East before returning to the UK not long ago. A testament to the quality of workmanship that went into its rejuvenation, the four-seater still presents remarkably well some 9,000 miles and eleven years on. Having covered just 300 or so miles since its last service, this iconic `blue chip' Mercedes-Benz droptop is offered for sale with the aforementioned copy factory datacard and MOT certificate valid until March 2013.