This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE cabriolet is one of approximately 1,390 examples produced between 1968 and 1971. It was initially delivered to Carwell Corporation in California and is said to have remained in the state since new. The car is finished in Tunis Beige Metallic over Dark Brown leather and is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a brown convertible top, 14″ steel wheels with covers, power steering, disc brakes, US-specification headlights, power windows, and Behr air conditioning. This W111 cabriolet was acquired by the current owner in 2023 and is now offered by the selling dealer at no reserve with a window sticker, service records, a tool kit, and a clean California title.
The car left the factory finished in Tunis Beige Metallic (462), and it has been repainted. It features a brown soft top and boot as well as front vent windows, US-specification headlights, a “low-style” grille, and chrome bumpers. Close-up photos of blemishes along the body can be seen in the gallery.
The 14″ steel wheels feature bright-finished covers with color-matched centers and wear 185/75 Hankook tires with thin whitewalls mounted in preparation for the sale. The suspension includes an independent double-wishbone front setup with coil springs along with a rear single-joint swing axle. Power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brakes are additional features.
The individual front seats and a rear bench are upholstered in Dark Brown leather, and wood trim accents the dash and A-pillars. Amenities include power windows, a dashboard-mounted clock, center armrests, and Behr air conditioning. The radio is nonfunctional.
The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and fronts a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 13k miles, and total mileage is unknown.
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.
The engine stamping and a data card shown above list the engine number.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.
Manufacturer’s literature is included in the sale along with a window sticker that lists initial delivery to Carwell Corporation of Hermosa Beach, California, and shows factory colors, equipment, and a total suggested retail price of $12,841.
Decoding the data plate reveals the following information:
- 462H – Tunis Beige Metallic paint
- 236 – Electric window lifters
- 306 – Air conditioner
- 491 – US version
- 503 – Left side mirror
- 519 – Becker Grand Prix radio