Making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969 for the 1970 model year, the final iteration of the Mercedes-Benz W111 model was without doubt the best. The mildly updated appearance incorporated a lower and wider grille, improving on the timeless Paul Bracq design. These subtle styling updates were complemented by a not-so-subtle mechanical improvement. Power now came courtesy of the new M116 overhead cam V-8 of 3.5-liter displacement producing an impressive 230 bhp. On the occasion of its US introduction, Road & Track magazine proclaimed it was “One of the best-looking body designs to come from any German concern,” concluding it was “an instant classic.” Most desirable within this series are the cabriolet models, hand built at a rate of just 13 per week, with total worldwide production of just 1,232 units.

This lovely example is a US-delivery 280 SE 3.5, identifiable by code 491 on its body tag, which also notes it came equipped with Behr air-conditioning and electric window lifts (code 586) as well as a power antenna (code 531). It was delivered in Silver Gray Metallic (DB 180) with contrasting black leather upholstery and a black convertible top.

Service receipts on file trace this car’s history to the late 1990s when owned by Jerry Mobley of Prescott, Arizona. In 2000, Heiji’s Foreign Car Repair of Prescott overhauled the engine, resealed the transmission, serviced the differential, and completed brake work. Service records remain on file and the 280 SE was purchased by its current owner in 2012, joining a collection of British and American classics.

Enjoyed and maintained for the next eight years, its owner selected Gordon Bartlett Restorations of Abilene, Texas, to oversee further restoration work. Between 2020 and 2024, it benefited from a bare-metal strip and new paint, new leather upholstery and canvas convertible top, along with the refinishing of selected interior wood components. The Mercedes-Benz is accompanied by a tool kit, spare tire, jack, and owner’s manual.

Never again would Mercedes-Benz bestow this level of craftsmanship and hand-built quality on a production offering. As the most attractive and powerful version of its luxurious four-seat cabriolet, these cars are highly sought after today. Mercedes-Benz described this model as “a responsive, roadworthy and almost sinfully luxurious limited edition for those who prefer open coachwork”— a succinct and accurate description that rings true more than 50 years later.