mercedes-benz 280se cabriolet

1968 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet, S/N 111.025-12-000436, authentic 111 chassis cabriolet, DB291 Dark Olive with Cognac leather, brand new convertible top, column shift automatic transmission, power windows, factory Kuhlmeister air conditioning, Becker Grand Prix radio, recent repaint, interior re-trim, and wood refinishing in original colors, tool roll and jack, extensive recent servicing to all vehicle systems including and engine-out overhaul. This matching-numbers cabriolet comes to us having spent nearly three decades with its past California owner.

Recent work has been performed to nearly all vehicle systems to ensure the vehicle is turn-key and ready for reliable, regular use. Most notably, both the engine and transmission have been overhauled, with theopportunity being taken to nicely detail out the engine bay and underside of the car. Many components have been renewed, painted, or plated.

The car runs very nicely. The engine starts up immediately and idles well. Throttle response is good and acceleration is progressive with no flat spots. The engine is quiet, having benefited from a recent valve adjustment and is leak free.

The transmission engages and shifts gears as it should. Shifting is crisp (but not too harsh) and timed properly. The transmission fluid and filter was changed in conjunction with recent work.

The brakes pull the car up nicely with no pulling or vibration. The calipers were recently replaced, as were the pads, rotors, hoses, and associated hardware. The brake fluid was renewed in conjunction with recent work.

The suspension benefits from much recent work. All four shocks have been replaced with OEM units. The front and rear coil springs and spring pads are new. The front king pin assemblies have recently been rebuilt as well. Steering linkage is tight and idler arm bushings are new. The car is a great cruiser with no creaks, squeaks, or rattles. It tracks straight down the road, having benefitted from a recent four wheel alignment.

All vehicle accessories function as they should. The A/C system has recently been serviced, is holding a charge, and blows cold. Heater levers move freely, heater lever seals were recently replaced, andthe blower functions well at all speeds. All four windows go up and down smoothly without needing assistance. All gauges, interior and exterior lighting are functional. A full set of keys are present and work in all tumblers.

Vehicle cosmetics are very nice. The car has spent the majority of its life with a long-term owner in California. The car has recently had a full exterior repaint in its original 291 Dark Olive that including removal of all trim and glass. The interior has been fully re-trimmed in original colors. All wood was refinished by Madera Concepts. The soft top has been replaced with the correct Tan Sonnenland Classic Canvas and the headliner replaced with original style tan stretch-wool. The windshield has recently been replaced with a factory unit to address two small 'stars'. Exterior chrome is very good to excellent. Panel fit with excellent, with good, even gaps.

There are just a few cosmetic apologies due to paint blemishes. There are a few paint bubbles, not due to rust but just defects. There is a slight raising of the paint at each lower, outer edge of the windshield, one at the left lower dog-leg, and one at the belt line at the right rear fender. On the trunk lid there is a small paint blemish and a barely perceptible 'ding' on the flat surface of the lid. The underside of the car is very clean and solid. The floors appear to be original with no evidence of collision or rust repair. The only damage is at the right rear floor section caused by improper placement of a lift arm. Finally, the well in the left side of the trunk looks to have been replaced at some point in the vehicle's life.

Overall, this is a handsome, usable classic that would be welcome at any regional show or clubevent. Not only have the broad strokes been addressed to give the car a good visual appeal and a strong drive-train but much time has been taken to shake down and sort out all vehicle sub-systems, making it ready for reliable, regular use.

• Condition: Used
• Make: Mercedes-Benz
• Model: 200-Series
• Type: Convertible
• Year: 1968
• Mileage: 124,500
• VIN: 111.025-12-000436
• Color: Green
• Engine size: 6 cylinder
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Tan
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
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