This 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SE cabriolet is one of approximately 1,390 examples produced and has been owned in California’s Bay Area since new. It is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and finished in iridescent silver over black leather. Equipment includes a black convertible top, 14″ steel wheels with covers, disc brakes, US-specification headlights, three-point seat belts, power windows, a Becker Mexico TR radio, and air conditioning. The current owner purchased the car in 2002, and service in preparation for the sale included changing the oil and coolant, adjusting the valves, and replacing the trunk seal, brake hoses, shocks, heater levers, steering column bushings, head gasket, crank seals, engine mounts, air conditioning compressor, and exhaust system. This 280SE is now offered on dealer consignment in Massachusetts with a data card, the owner’s manual, service records, and a clean California title listing it as a 1969 model.
The car is finished in iridescent silver and was repainted by Cavallino Rampante in Palo Alto in 1980. Features include a black soft top, a top boot, front vent windows, US-specification headlights, and chrome bumpers. The trunk seal was replaced in preparation for the sale.
The 14″ steel wheels feature bright-finished covers with color-matched centers and are mounted with 205/70 General Altimax tires manufactured in 2020. The suspension includes an independent double-wishbone front setup with coil springs along with a rear single-joint swing axle. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted disc brakes at each corner. The brake hoses and shocks were replaced in preparation for the sale.
The cabin features individual front seats, upholstered in black leather, which the selling dealer believes is original to the car, and wood trim accents the dash and A-pillars. Amenities include three-point seat belts, power windows, a dashboard-mounted clock, a Becker Mexico TR radio, and air conditioning. The wood trim was refinished in 2018, and service in preparation for the sale included repairing the heater valves and replacing the heater levers and steering column bushings.
The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and fronts a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 19k miles, approximately 3k of which were added under current ownership.
The 2.8-liter M130 inline-six features Bosch mechanical fuel injection and was factory rated at 160 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Service in 2024 included adjusting the valves, changing the oil and coolant, and replacing the head gasket, crank seals, engine mounts, drive belts, air conditioning compressor, and exhaust system.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The fluid was changed in preparation for the sale.
The data card indicates factory colors, serial numbers, and equipment.