Sold 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet 2146368115 Tweet

Click here to view high resolution photos Single family ownership from New Show quality Original preservation example Only 30,712 Original Miles in 50 years 3.5L V8, 4-speed automatic transmission Includes original owners manual, service/parts receipts, spare wheel/tire, jack and tools Sometimes iconic vehicles begin as something no more than one persons seemingly ludicrous dream, pushed through by after-hours working and a stroke of brilliance. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz 280SE, its creation resembles something like that. The 280SE started production in the late 1960s. The last production added to this line of cars, was the 280SE that was launched in August 1969, and was the first post-war coupe with more than 3 liters. It had multiple changes on the exterior design, that makes it stand out from the previous models, and uses the brand new M116 3.5L V8 engine. Gilbert Schnitzer ordered his brand-new Mercedes as a gift to his wife Thelma. The 280SE Cabriolet was ordered from their local Mercedes Benz dealership and assembled at the Sindelfingen Mercedes Benz factory. The car was ordered in Silver exterior paint, with a black full leather interior. Once the car was completed at the end of 1970, their daughter and son-in-law flew to Germany to pick up the vehicle. The couple took the Cabriolet on a road trip through Europe and enjoyed it until dropping it off in Amsterdam to be shipped to Portland. Once it arrived on the west coast, Mrs. Schnitzer took delivery of her new 280SE Cabriolet and sparingly used it over the next 25 years. She would drive it to the grocery store and the hair salon, putting less than 1,000 miles per year. At the age of 75, Mrs. Schnitzer decided that she wanted a newer two-door convertible Mercedes to enjoy and gave the 280SE Cabriolet to her son Gary and his wife. They drove it to Napa, CA, where it was stored, and driven occasionally during the weekends in the sunny weather of the Sonoma Valley. Cars have been an essential part of many Americans lives in the past century, often transcending their original purpose of being transportation while becoming something more. In this case for Gilbert and Therma, the 280SE Cabriolet is the perfect example of a car being loved beyond compare, taken care of exceptionally well, and enjoyed for decades. Upon arriving to Canepa, the 280SE Cabriolet was immediately given a comprehensive mechanical inspection and complete service, ensuring everything is in excellent working condition. Once completed, the car was rolled into Canepas award-winning detail department, where the car was meticulously cleaned. With its underside completely spotless, its Silver exterior was given a full foam-pad polish that now adds another level of depth to the Mercedes-Benz color. The interior, engine bay, and trunk were given the same attention to detail, with no surface left untouched to leave the car in immaculate condition. This 280SE Cabriolet is being sold with its convertible top boot, owners manuals, tools, jack, spare wheel/tire, and service records.