1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet stands as a monument to an era of luxury motoring defined by craftsmanship and performance. With only a few hundred examples still in existence, it remains one of the most collectible and revered convertibles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz.

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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet came equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V8 engine, delivering 200 horsepower at 5800 rpm. This engine, originally borrowed from the sedan lineup, was paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, providing elegant and assertive performance. With a top speed of 210 km/h, this cabriolet wasn’t just about looks — it had the muscle to match. Key features included four-wheel disc brakes for enhanced stopping power and an advanced air suspension system that gave the ride a plush, limousine-like quality. Built on the W111 chassis and measuring nearly five meters in length, the car had both technical sophistication and on-road presence. Fuel injection technology and a curb weight of 1710 kg added to the grand touring credentials of this rare model.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet
Year of Manufacturing: 1971

Design:

Design-wise, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was an ode to handcrafted luxury. Assembled by hand in limited numbers, it featured a fully power-operated soft-top and extensive use of high-quality materials. Inside, the real wood dashboard and thick wool carpeting set a tone of opulence, while chromed accents throughout the bodywork added classic flair. The 1971 model benefited from a flatter front grille, sloped hood, and rubber-lipped bumpers — subtle but refined updates that modernized the look while preserving its timeless elegance. The balance of stately design and athletic cues made it a standout among convertibles of its time.

Historical Significance:

Only 1,232 units of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet were ever produced, marking the end of Mercedes-Benz’s hand-built cabriolet era. This model was part of the W111 series and represented the culmination of decades of Mercedes engineering excellence before the industry fully transitioned to more automated production processes. It was also the last large convertible from the brand until the late 1980s, underscoring its status as a high-water mark in post-war automotive luxury. Its rarity and craftsmanship have since elevated it to collector royalty.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Known affectionately as the “Million-Dollar Benz,” the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet enjoys a place of honor in the classic car world. It’s frequently seen at prestigious concours events like Pebble Beach and resides in celebrity collections, including that of comedian and car aficionado Jay Leno. Its combination of low production numbers, timeless design, and technical excellence have cemented its legendary status in automotive pop culture.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.