Vehicle Details

• Year: 1971
• Make: Mercedes-Benz
• Model: 280SE
• VIN: 11102712002174
• Mileage Shown: 113,886mi (5-digit odometer)
• Transmission: Automatic
• Title Status: Clean
• Color: Red
• Seller Type: Dealer
• Dealer Fees: None
• Location: Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Country: United States of America
• Lot #: V-0055977

Handcrafted as part of the W111 series, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet is one of just 1,232 produced, featuring a M116 3.5-liter V8 engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, a limited-slip differential, an independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, four-wheel disc brakes, and power steering. Originally ordered through Valley Volkswagen of Fayetteville, North Carolina, this example was delivered via European Delivery on September 2, 1970, remaining with its first owner for 31 years. Acquired in 2001 by the current owner, it underwent a bare metal repaint in dark red with a red convertible top. Adding to its provenance, this W111 appeared in the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happyness and is now being offered for auction by the selling dealer out of California.

Originally finished in Sand Beige, this example was stripped to bare metal and refinished in dark red in 2001, during which slight damage to the rear panel repair and driver’s door were corrected. At the same time, a small rust hole was removed, patched, and repaired on the lowest portion of the fender. A red soft top was also fitted and is complemented by a Cognac top boot. Exterior details include a “low-style” grille, chrome bumpers and trim, US-specification headlights with integrated amber turn signals, front vent windows, and dual side mirrors. It rides on 14” steel wheels adorned with bright-finished hubcaps and color-coordinated centers, wrapped in Michelin Radial X tires. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.

The four-place cabin is finished in Cognac leather, featuring individual front bucket seats and a rear bench, complemented by rich wood trim across the dashboard and A-pillars. Amenities include power windows, a front seat filler cushion, three-point front seat belts with rear lap belts, a dashboard-mounted clock, and a Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio. Additional equipment includes a two-spoke steering wheel adorned with a chrome horn ring, and VDO instrumentation. The seller notes the air conditioner's compressor functions but doesn’t blow cold, and the driver’s seat exhibits tears and prior repairs.

Power comes from a M116 3.5-liter V8 engine equipped with Bosch Jetronic fuel injection, which delivers a factory-rated 200 HP and 211 lb.-ft of torque to rear wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It is equipped with a stainless-steel exhaust system, an independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, a single-joint swing axle rear suspension, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and power steering. An oil change was performed in September 2024.

This sale will include data cards, a copy of the original purchase order, manufacturer’s literature, service records, spare parts, a tool kit, a first aid kit, and a clean title.

The seller would like you to know: "Welcome to the 280SE Cabriolet auction. This is a special car with originality that you usually only find with one/two owners or cars with very low mileage. This one was driven roughly 114k miles in warm weather climates that kept parts exercised and the owner kept mechanicals maintained. This one still has the original engine, although the transmission was replaced at some point by the original owner. It even has the first-aid kit, five original steel wheels on the car with the 7/70 date stamps, and wears its original body panels that are still rust-free after all these years. When Silver Star Restorations did the exterior refresh in 2001/2, Pete noted that very little body work had to be done (mostly door dings) and one small rust repair on a lower rocker that was cut out, patched, and repaired. With that said, this W111 would make an outstanding high-end driver as it is, or someone could restore/replace the interior and have a collection-ready car. It's also a clean slate for a Pebble Beach concourse restorer who wants an original panel car that isn't going to cost a fortune in new panels or hard-to-get parts. This isn't a questionable W111 that has to be made good; it IS GOOD, and here's this 280's back story...

Originally owned by a doctor & his wife, who lived outside of Charlotte, this Mercedes was picked up in Munich on September 2, 1970, and used to tour Europe, concluding at the Port in Sorrento, Italy. The car arrived at the port of Baltimore on October 21, 1970, prepared for its journey home to a Charlotte, NC suburb where it would remain with the original owners for the next 41 years. According to the current owner, the car was found for sale through Silver Star Restorations in NC. The owner and his mechanic flew out to see the 280 and decided it was the one to get since finding an unrestored, rust-free, original owner car with documentation was proving difficult even in the early 2000s. On September 21, 2001, he purchased this W111 and, knowing Silver Star's reputation, decided to have them embark on a cosmetic restoration. The interior was left alone at the time of the exterior refresh. While it was his intention to do it at some point, there was a part of him that enjoyed the originality of the interior’s patina. When the car arrived back to the Bay Area, work began on mechanicals. Brake system, engine work (new cams/gears/chain guides/chains/rocker arms/oiling units/hoses), coolant system, starter & electrical system refreshed, subframe mount bushings, A/C system evacuated & recharged, multiple suspension components, stainless exhaust system & all belts & soft lines replaced. Receipts for many of these parts are in the gallery and work was done by his private mechanic. The W111 was used sparingly during the owner's stewardship, mostly for special occasions. He was an experienced MB collector who also enjoyed casually restoring R107 cars with his son. In 2006 the 280 was used in the movie "Pursuit of Happyness". Photos from the movie set and the movie itself are included in the gallery.

Panel fit is very good and doors show no droop/slop and shut with that satisfying factory thud. Very few imperfections are visible. Brightwork is very good with some pieces showing light wear. Convertible top is in excellent condition, shows no tears, signs of fading or permanent creasing and rear window is scratch, crease and haze free. Other than windshield, glass is original and scratch free.

The interior is original and the dash shows no cracking and the gauges are clear, scratch-free, and functioning as designed. Chrome accents are outstanding after polishing. The proper, original factory Becker radio is in place and functioning after being sent to Becker for repair. The burl wood dash shows beautiful patina and is in very good condition with the exception of minor wear around the base of windshield frame (A pillar). Under the Cocoa Mats, the carpet is in excellent condition. As expected after 53 years the leather seats show wonderful patina but unfortunately have a few tears. A few experienced Mercedes collectors have viewed the car and feel they can be repaired with aged leather donor panels if preservation is preferred over replacement. Floorpans are solid and show no signs of previous water intrusion with soundproofing material still intact and heater ducts intact. HVAC system functions but does not blow cold (R12, has not been converted).

Unlike so many W111 Cabs of this era, this one is undercoat and paint free (original factory schutz in place). It is as it arrived from the factory, aside from very slight overspray from the repaint, therefore there are no secrets lying beneath. The engine bay is mostly correct (possibly a replaced hose clamp that doesn’t meet concourse spec). The 280 starts easy, runs and drives well, stays within normal operating temp and oil pressure is where it should be. Shifts are smooth with no unusual driveline noise. No pulling to one side or another during braking.

Please reach out with any questions. Good luck to the bidders."

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Seller: ClassicCarsLtd 

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