Chassis No.

111.027.12.002490



In late 1969, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new generation of V8 engines to meet growing demand from its North American dealer network.

This major technical and strategic advance debuted across three flagship models, the 300 SEL 3.5 Sedan, the 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, and the 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet.

All three quickly became international symbols of luxury, refinement, and exclusivity.

Priced above $12,000 when new, the Cabriolet targeted discerning buyers seeking the highest levels of hand craftsmanship and performance.

Its soft top was engineered like no other car in the world for the pleasure of open-air motoring.

Six layers of fabric, padding, and insulation kept it from fluttering at speed and isolated road noise, and each top required 16 hours of hand assembly.

That expense and labor limited 3.5 Cabriolet production between 1969 and 1971 to just 1,232 examples, making it one of the most exclusive open four seat Mercedes-Benz cabriolets of the era.



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