1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible

There comes a time when a desirable old car just jumps in value. That time may be now for the 3.5SE

by Alex Dearborn

The 111-series of Mercedes-Benz automobiles of the 1960s and early 1970s is much appreciated by collectors who also enjoy driving their cars. There is a solidness to the ride and handling that helped Mercedes seize a profitable share of the world market.

When introduced, these cars were powered by the company’s reliable 6-cylinder engine and their performance, with 105–135 horsepower, can be described as stately. That changed dramatically when the 230-horsepower, 3.5-liter V8 was introduced, offering performance to match its appearance.

The 111-series 280SE chassis was up to the power. The body structure was a rigid welded unit. Mercedes had perfected its independent front suspension with coil springs and refined its low-pivot swing-axle independent rear. The result was a solid, rigid, quiet, stiff structure that was ideally suited to form the base of a luxury automobile.

USA marketing of Mercedes’s “S-Class” cars began in earnest with the...