1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible

As luxury cars in the modern era have become ever more laden with the electronic wizardry and visual dazzle necessary to compete in the modern market, it’s almost quaint to look back at the state of luxury cars in the late 1960s and 1970s. Specifically, to see what it was that inspired admiration for Mercedes-Benz automobiles runs counter to the current state of the luxury car market. 

Given the way you can option even the most basic low-end commuter car with every modern convenience, it’s easy to justify the opulence and customizable interior atmosphere of a 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-class to fit your sense of style, down to the smallest detail. Screens for every occupant, countless different choices for interior ambient lighting colors with the option to pulse and dim, every conceivable way to integrate your phone, streaming services, and then the multiple layers of safety systems - all meant to keep you safe from everyone and everything Out There, beyond the windows of your conveyance.

 So, as always, the new S-class is the embodiment of the company’s “The Best Or Nothing” mission statement—seriously impressive and capable. But it is very much a product of the current times from a technical perspective. And, with tech development being as rapid as it is, one can’t help but wonder how quickly the current equipment will age out.

So when considering the context of an automobile like this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, the notable consistent theme is the respect for the restraint that’s evident in every aspect of this high-end luxury car. A contemporary review of the 280 SE 3.5 from Car And Driver magazine summed it up nicely…

“A lot of people buy cars based on what they think the car says about them. They buy a public statement of their posi­tion vis-a-vis the rest of the world. And owning a Mercedes-Benz says something like the following: "Here I am and you will observe that I obviously Have It Made, but I have too much taste and knowledge of fine things to be driving a common, vulgar Cadillac or a grossly os­tentatious Rolls Royce."

What that article articulated so well was the restrained and subtle luxury that Mercedes embodied at the time. The W111 chassis Mercedes-Benz  was simultaneously Old World in origin, and Old Money in approach—never flashy or shouting for attention, just built from the best materials, and built better and more durably than anything else you could name. The fact that you still see so many of this era of Mercedes still on the road goes beyond their monetary worth. It’s that they were built to a standard that allows them to endure and survive where less comprehensively engineered cars did not. It’s that aim to be built for the long haul that makes them such a great purchase, but it’s the subtle excellence of everything it’s built with, and how it’s assembled, that make them so satisfying to own.

This example of the 280SE 3.5 was comprehensively restored, with total care and respect for original material sourcing and manufacturer specification. It is an excellent representation of what made Mercedes-Benz such an enduring and respected automaker, from the period where it was at the height of its game.

This is a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet. It is powered by a 3.5 liter V8 engine, running power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. It is finished in Dark Blue (paint code UT 904) over a blue leather interior, with a dark blue fabric convertible top. This 280SE underwent a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration in 2023, with only test mileage accrued since the work was completed. It also comes with full documentation and photos of the work performed.

Arriving from Florida in February 2023, this classic automobile found its way to the esteemed workshop of Motor-Classic Co. Ltd., world-renowned for its 25-year specialization in restoring premium-classic Mercedes vehicles.

Upon its arrival, thorough inspection revealed the authenticity of the car’s matching numbers, paintwork, and leather interior—all original factory specifications. While a gearbox replacement had taken place, a common occurrence with Mercedes vehicles, it was duly supported by the factory.

The restoration journey commenced with a thorough disassembly, every screw and panel cataloged by skilled professionals. Despite its severely corroded state, the vehicle remained remarkably intact, devoid of prior restoration or major repair work.

The restoration process unfolded with precision. Stripping away the old paint revealed the car’s bodywork, meticulously rebuilt using authentic factory Mercedes components, ensuring a faithful adherence to original specifications. Attention to detail extended to the chrome parts, carefully fitted during the early stages of bodywork. Our in-house plating and metal grinding facilities ensure the production of chrome parts of unparalleled quality.

A comprehensive electrostatic coating (KTL) safeguards the entire bodywork and components, offering enduring protection against corrosion. The paintwork was applied using products from the renowned Glasurit paint system, guaranteeing a flawless exterior. Assembly was executed with utmost care, utilizing high-quality components, including factory Mercedes parts wherever feasible. The car has new wiring loom and rubber parts, all screwand washer galvanized. By using reverse engineering, our CNC plant enabled the recreation of components that were no longer available, ensuring they matched or exceeded original specifications.

Rigorous testing procedures were paramount. From wheel alignment to dyno testing, and finally, real-road trials, every aspect of the car’s performance was meticulously evaluated to ensure perfection.

Coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike, this meticulously restored classic Mercedes embodies the epitome of automotive elegance and craftsmanship. With its impeccable restoration, authentic factory specifications, and rigorous testing regimen, this exquisite masterpiece promises to be the crowning jewel of any collection. Whether gracing the showroom floor or commanding attention on the open road, this remarkable automobile is poised to bring unparalleled joy and satisfaction to its fortunate new owner. Restoration process carried out on the car includes the following steps:

Bodywork:

• Complete dismantling of the vehicle
• Cleaning, paint stripping, glass bead blasting of the individual components
• Chemical paint removal, bodywork
• Sheet metal work on the bodywork
• Fitting the body parts Priming the bodywork
• Preparation of the body for painting, painting, cavity preservation according to factory specification

Mechanics:

• Renewal of engine, gearbox, drive shaft, axles
• Renewal of the fuel system (tank, pipework)
• Renewal of the electrical system wiring harness
• Alternator
• Starter
• Fan motors

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