Exceptionally Well Preserved, Highly Original, 48,000 Miles,

　　Console Shifter

　　The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet - an Amazing and Rare Automobile:

　　Introduced in late 1969 as a prestige model to supplant the

　　somewhat underpowered six-cylinder 280SE, the V8-powered,

　　W111-Series 280SE 3.5 was of immediate appeal to wealthy customers

　　who were accustomed to having the best quality and workmanship

　　available in an automobile. One of the last hand-built

　　Mercedes-Benzes, an average of only 13 cars were finished per week,

　　with just 1,232 examples of the 3.5 Cabriolet produced from 1969

　　through 1971, and just 347 in 1971. Featuring Bosch D-Jetronic

　　electronic fuel injection and producing 200 horsepower, the engine

　　provided brisk acceleration and was lauded at its launch. A fully

　　independent suspension with disc brakes at each wheel was standard.

　　A power-operated, insulated, multilayer top with framework fully

　　concealed by an interior headliner shielded the sumptuous interior

　　from the elements. Each convertible top is said to have required

　　more than 16 hours of hand labor.

　　This 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet - A Beautiful, Highly Original

　　Survivor:

　　Finished in mostly original Silver Gray Metallic paint with a Black

　　interior and top this 3.5 is a very well preserved, highly original

　　motorcar with what is believed to be 48,000 original miles.

　　The original paint is in excellent condition and there has been

　　some light repaint work on the passenger side due to scratches. The

　　interior is original except the front seats which have been

　　reupholstered with the correct material. The engine compartment and

　　undercarriage show as an original 48,000 mile car.

　　Service and repairs since 2016 total $30,000 and were performed by

　　two of the best Vintage Mercedes shops in the US - Paul Russell and

　　Company and European Auto Solutions - both in Massachusetts. The

　　48,000 miles is believed to be original based on the overall

　　condition of the vehicle and a 2016 inspection of the timing chain

　　which showed it to be original with appropriate wear for 48,000

　　miles.

　　Everything works as it should. Inspections are welcomed in

　　Jacksonville, Florida.

　　It's getting harder and harder to find true survivors in this

　　condition.