SKU:Lot 18
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet (1970)
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet (1970)
| Bidder | Amount | Date |
|---|
Facts & Figures
| Estimate | CHF 140'000 - CHF 170'000 |
| Condition | 2 - good |
| First registration | 1970 |
| Odometer | 19'300 |
| Engine | 2.8-litre inline six-cylinder engine |
| Power (KW/HP) | 117/160 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual transmission |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Steering | Left-hand drive (LHD) |
| Exterior color | Metallic green |
| Interior | Brown leather |
A Touch of Nobility – The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet with Princely Provenance
Introduced in the autumn of 1961, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet represented the pinnacle of the brand’s craftsmanship. As one of the last models to be built largely by hand, it commanded nearly double the price of its sedan counterpart. In Switzerland, the cabriolet cost more than 45,000 francs in 1970 — equivalent to almost 145,000 francs today — underscoring its exclusivity from the very beginning.
The 280 SE Cabriolet embodies the most distinguished expression of open-top motoring: a driver’s limousine offering sumptuous comfort and generous space, paired with the elegance and poise expected of the Mercedes flagship range. Its smooth and effortless cruising character is delivered by the refined six-cylinder, fuel-injected engine producing 160 hp, coupled to a four-speed gearbox.
The example offered here was first registered in late 1970. Its original owner selected a striking metallic green — a special, non-standard colour that complements the warm brown interior with remarkable sophistication. The car was later acquired by The Prince of Fürstenberg, becoming its second owner. For decades, he remained the sole driver of this distinguished cabriolet, adding a rare touch of aristocratic heritage to its history.
In 2008, the car underwent an extensive partial restoration costing nearly 100,000 euros. Importantly, portions of the original paint were preserved, maintaining its authentic appearance. As part of the restoration, the engine was completely disassembled and renewed in many areas. A professional valuation performed in 2009 awarded the vehicle an overall grade of 2+, with most mechanical components receiving top marks. This is a beautifully preserved, elegantly specified 280 SE Cabriolet — combining hand-built Mercedes craftsmanship, noble provenance, and superb mechanical condition. A truly graceful companion, ready for its next grand tour across Europe and in possession of German registration documents.
Terms and conditions of participation
Terms and conditions of participation
Only natural persons of legal age and with unlimited legal capacity, as well as legal entities, are eligible to participate. Legal entities must be represented by a natural person who is either authorised to represent them according to the extract from the commercial register or who has the appropriate power of attorney. Emil Frey Classics reserves the right to exclude participants from the auction without giving reasons.
Registration
Registration
Prior registration is required to participate in the online auction. Please provide your personal details (name, address, place of residence, telephone number and email address) and upload a copy of a valid identity document (identity card, passport or driver's license document) as a PDF or image file (JPG, PNG) to confirm your identity.
Once we have received your details, we will check and verify them. Your customer account will then be activated for use as a customer or bidder. Within 24 hours of successful registration, you will receive an email with an activation link for your customer account on our auction platform, which you can use to bid online.
Please register in good time to ensure smooth and secure participation.
Auction hammer price and minimum bid
Auction hammer price and minimum bid
The bid is accepted by the highest bidder after the minimum price or higher has been reached, either after the bidding period has expired or at the moment when no further bids are submitted and the auction is closed by Emil Frey Classics.
Acceptance of the minimum bid – “Sold”
When the bid is accepted and the minimum bid (minimum price) or higher is reached, a legally binding purchase contract is concluded between the seller and the highest bidder.
Bid accepted below the minimum bid – “Reserved, not sold”
If a bid is made at a price below the minimum bid (minimum price), the vehicle is considered “not sold subject to reservation.” Vehicles that could not be sold during the auction or for which the minimum bid was not reached can be renegotiated after the auction in consultation with the consignor or owner. In such cases, Emil Frey Classics acts exclusively as an intermediary between the potential buyer and the consignor or owner, unless it expressly acts as the seller itself. A purchase contract is only concluded with the express consent of both parties.
Reservation of Emil Frey Classics
Emil Frey Classics reserves the right to decide freely on the acceptance of bids. In particular, it may refuse or cancel the bid, interrupt or cancel the auction, withdraw the auction item or put it up for auction again, and reject bids.
Auction terms – Purchase price & fees
Auction terms – Purchase price & fees
The purchase price corresponds to the highest bid (hammer price) plus an auction commission of 11% of the hammer price.
General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
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