This 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet was delivered on July 1, 1970, according to its Mercedes-Benz Classic Zertifikat. The document further specifies that the US-market Cabriolet was originally finished in beige with a black leather interior and black fabric folding soft top. Additional factory options included a floor-mounted shift lever, Becker Europa radio, air-conditioning, electric window lifts, and tinted windshield and side windows. Though the car’s subsequent early provenance remains unknown, it was acquired in the early 1990s by Texas-based collector John Ridings Lee.

The current owner acquired the 280 SE from Mr. Lee in 1997. During his ownership, the car received several refurbishments, including a repaint in the period-appropriate shade of silver metallic, an installation of tiger maple dashboard wood, and a rebuild of the original 3.5-liter single overhead cam V-8 engine. Photos and receipts on file document the work carried out. Following these restorative efforts, the Cabriolet made regular appearances at concours events throughout the Midwest, where its quality was often recognized by First in Class honors. Accompanied by an owner’s manual and folio, tool roll, and restoration documentation, and abounding with correct details such as the Becker Europa radio and factory Kangol seatbelts, this award-winning Cabriolet embodies the original character of the last hand-built Mercedes-Benz model.