1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet marked Mercedes-Benz’s definitive shift into the V8 luxury performance market. When production ended in 1971, it also marked the brand’s temporary farewell to large luxury convertibles—a gap not filled until the W124 of the 1980s.

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

7 Sources

Technical Details:

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet introduced a new era of performance and refinement in open-top motoring. At its heart lies a 3.5-liter V8 engine delivering 200 horsepower at 5800 rpm, marking one of the first V8 applications in a Mercedes-Benz luxury convertible. This was paired with a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission and advanced features for its time, including air suspension, power steering, and power-assisted brakes. Built on the W111 platform, it boasted fuel injection and a solid 2750 mm wheelbase. Capable of reaching 210 km/h, the Cabriolet offered sports car performance with limousine-grade comfort, weighing in at 1710 kg.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Year of Manufacturing: 1968

Design:

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet ‘s design language radiates elegance. Built by hand, it featured rich chrome accents and graceful proportions. The modest tailfins, a nod to its predecessor, blended seamlessly with the car’s long, sculpted hood and wide stance. Inside, drivers were greeted with luxurious leather upholstery, finely crafted wooden dashboards, and a fully-lined soft top. This model was a statement piece—a rolling exhibition of Mercedes-Benz’s meticulous craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic, equally pleasing with the top up or down.

Historical Significance:

This model represented the culmination of the coachbuilt Mercedes-Benz tradition. Produced from until 1971, only 1,232 units were made, making it a rare gem in automotive history. Introduced at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, it reflected a growing trend toward integrating more powerful engines into existing platforms. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet marked Mercedes-Benz’s definitive shift into the V8 luxury performance market. When production ended in 1971, it also marked the brand’s temporary farewell to large luxury convertibles—a gap not filled until the W124 of the 1980s.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

From concours events like Pebble Beach to celebrity garages, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet has been celebrated globally. Its near-silent ride, striking design, and limited production make it a six-figure collector’s favorite. Owned by royalty and admired in pop culture, it symbolizes opulence with restraint—an era when power and elegance came with subtlety.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet remains an enduring symbol of handcrafted luxury and V8 performance. From its exquisite design to its limited production run, it stands as a milestone in the history of Mercedes-Benz and a timeless collectible that continues to turn heads.