This 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was delivered on July 1, 1970, according to its Mercedes-Benz Classic Zertifikat.

The document further specifies that the US-market Cabriolet was originally finished in beige with a black leather interior and black fabric folding soft top.

Additional factory options included a floor-mounted shift lever, Becker Europa radio, air-conditioning, electric window lifts, and tinted windshield and side windows.

Though the car’s subsequent early provenance remains unknown, it was acquired in the early 1990s by Texas-based collector John Ridings Lee. The current owner acquired the 280 SE from Mr. Lee in 1997.

During his ownership, the car received several refurbishments, including a repaint in the period-appropriate shade of silver metallic, an installation of tiger maple dashboard wood, and a rebuild of the original 3.5-liter single overhead cam V-8 engine.

Photos and receipts on file document the work carried out.

Following these restorative efforts, the Cabriol...