1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

The 3.5-litre version of the 280SE typifies the resurgence of larger-engined Mercedes-Benz models that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the progressive easing of fiscal constraints, which had dissuaded customers from buying cars with large capacity engines, encouraged the German manufacturer to offer bigger, more potent power units. Thus, the ultra-luxurious 280SE Coupé/Cabriolet and 300SEL saloon were the models chosen by Mercedes-Benz to launch its magnificent new 3.5-litre V8 engine in 1969. An over-square design featuring a cast-iron block and aluminium alloy cylinder heads, each equipped with a single overhead camshaft, this all-new, state-of-the-art power unit produced 200bhp courtesy of Bosch electronic fuel injection and transistorised ignition. Thus equipped, the Coupé/Cabriolet was good for 125mph with 60mph reachable in 9.5 seconds, a substantial improvement on the six-cylinder version's figures.

Although the equivalent SEL saloon used the 'New Generation' bodyshell, the Coupé and Cabriolet kept the elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1959 on the 220SE and, as befitted top-of-the-range luxury models came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows and stereo radio as standard. Significantly, the 280SE 3.5 was to be the final model to feature this long-established and much-admired body style, and today these last-of-the-line classics are highly sought after by discerning Mercedes-Benz collectors. But it"s not just their rarity that makes them so desirable since they also represent some of the quickest Mercedes of that era. Built on the revered W111 chassis that underpinned so many great Mercedes built between 1959 and 1971, the 3.5-litre V8 had to contend with a large, heavy car but, even so, the claimed 230bhp provided enough oomph to accelerate it smoothly – and quietly – to high speeds without seeming to draw breath.

This, automatic transmission, 280SE 3.5 is finished in a deep Navy Blue with a creamy Magnolia interior. One of 1,232 examples produced, the car comes with a copy of its factory data card confirming that it was completed in right-hand drive configuration for the UK market. Initially ordered with a mid-blue soft-top and electric windows, it is one of only 68 right-hand drive cabriolets produced by the factory, being first registered in London in June 1970 as 'BGP 11H'.

'Sound but tired' when acquired by marque aficionado Stewart Imber circa 2000, the car was treated to a bare-metal repaint at M&A Coachworks, Highgate, as part of a total restoration using new and genuine M-B parts. The interior was re-trimmed to 'Rolls-Royce' quality using the correct colour leather, and the engine and gearbox despatched to Germany by marque specialists TM Motors of West Molesey, Surrey (Tony Montalbano) for a thorough overhaul prior to refitting. Other noteworthy features include power-assisted steering, Behr air conditioning (sourced in the USA and overhauled in the UK) and fitted luggage from Germany. In October 2001 the Mercedes was purchased at auction by David Andrew Barany, who duly passed it on, in February 2011, to the car's previous owner and our vendor was lucky enough to purchase it from him around three years ago. Only around 9,000 miles have been covered since the car's restoration. Described as in generally excellent condition, this rare and supremely elegant modern-era Mercedes-Benz has resided in our vendor's significant collection and will come to the sale with a current MOT and its V5C registration document.

It's worth bearing in mind that the well respected German Firm 'Mechatronik' is currently offering completely rebuilt 1969 to 1971 3.5 Coupés for in excess of £300,000 which suggests this may well be a fantastic future investment, that you can also cherish and enjoy in the coming years.

This was the most expensive new "Coachbuilt" Mercedes-Benz available in 1971, could only be afforded by Monarchs, Dictators, Captains of Industry, Millionaires and Film Stars, and was arguably the most desirable post-war Mercedes-Benz since the mighty 300SL, however, all that is completely irrelevant when you stand next to one of the world's most achingly beautiful motor cars.