1971 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3,5

Extremely rare UK delivered RHD example, 1 of 68 builtJust 1,232 of the iconic 3.5 Litre V8 powered W111 Cabriolet were builtRecently recommissioned by marques specialistsLovely history file with invoices going back to 1978In current ownership for over 20 yearsThe W111 series of Mercedes-Benz motor cars were iconic in their own right. The pre-cursor to the S-Class, as we know the series today, the first models were launched way back in 1959 when Mercedes-Benz was showing the world just how incredible their comeback Post War was. Available originally as a saloon, the cars featured a lovely clean design with the rear wings finishing with a subtle fin, earning the cars their nickname of ‘Heckflosse’ or Fintail. The stunning design was the work of Friedrich Geiger, the man behind not just the incredible Pre-War 540K but also the most famous, and arguably most beautiful, Mercedes-Benz of all time, the 300SL Gullwing. For the Coupé and Cabriolet models the design was passed to a young designer called Paul Bracq. Although only in his late 20’s at the time, Bracq would go on to be head of design at Mercedes for over 10 years. During his time there he oversaw the creation of the 230SL Pagoda and the Mercedes 600, as well as most of the model line up of that golden era. After Mercedes he moved to BMW then Peugeot, designing some fabulous cars including the BMW Turbo concept that inspired the M1, the E24 6 Series as well as having a hand, during his time at Peugeot in the 205 among many others.The Coupés were launched at Frankfurt in 1961 with the Cabriolet arriving a few months later. In all body shapes, the initial engines were 2.2 litre straight-sixes in the 220SE models, putting out just 95bhp. The 2.2 was upgraded over time to produce 120bhp. A 250SE model came along in 1965 upping displacement to 2.5 litres and power to 150bhp. A 280SE came out in 1967 using the 2.8 Litre found in the Pagoda producing 160bhp.The luxury game was moving on fast and big displacement cars from competitors like Rolls-Royce were finding favour. With a strong US market and the need to keep up with the times, the decision was made to create a brand new V8 powered version of the Coupé and Cabriolet. Power leapt up to 200bhp and soon the flagship of the range became an icon in its own right. The mighty V8 engine would be used in various guises until the early 1990’s.The Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet for sale at Wrightson Automotive is one of just 68 built in total in RHD. Built in 1971 this motorcar was first registered to Guernsey before heading to the Isle of Man.Documents on file show it coming to the UK mainland in and around 1979, which is where the lovely stack of old invoices and MOT’s go back to. Originally White with Black when it left the factory, today the 280 SE 3.5 presents beautifully in Grey over Dark Red leather.The current owner acquired the car 2002 and has kept detailed records of the car and entrusted servicing to the legends that are Roger Edwards Motors. Sadly, health conditions mean that the car has seen little use outside of the underground car park it calls home for a year or so. As a result, the car has been sent to various specialists to make sure it is on the key, ready to be enjoyed by the lucky next owner. Post recommissioning I have driven the car back to base (nearly 3 hours away) and it didn’t miss a beat.As mentioned, the W111 is an especially desirable and important car from an era where Mercedes-Benz were building their stellar reputation via beautiful design, innovation and build quality. To not only have the opportunity to acquire the “crème de la crème” of the W111 range, but also in it’s rarest form of Right Hand Drive to boot is very exciting indeed.The Mercedes-Benz comes with the aforementioned comprehensive history file, a set of tools and original jack, as well as an indoor car cover.