Photo by Michiel2005

In this article, we shall review the 1972 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 convertible. You might be wondering where the SE designation first appeared. Well, it first came out in 1958, on the Mercedes Benz, with the 220 SE. The E in the SE means ‘Einspritzung’ – meaning injection. In the year 1970, the new 3.5 liter V8 was found in the 280 SE 3.5 convertible – and this car could seat 5 passengers. The leather interiors and power windows, as well as reclining seats and air conditioning – were really quite impressive.

Fast forward to the year 2004. The 280 SE 3.5 convertible was given a complete restoration, and this was completed in the month of May 2004. It was given cognac colored leather, burl wood console trim, the exteriors were put in classic black, and the power was from the 3499c SOHC V8 engine, with the Bosch D-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection. What’s more, also given was four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes.

Then in 2009, the 280 SE 3.5 convertible went on sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Arizona, and the estimated price of sale was around 160,000 dollars – 210,000 dollars. That’s quite a lot, eh?

From November 1967 to September 1972, the Mercedes Benz 280 SE was produced. 230 horsepower was produced by the 3.5 liter eight-cylinder engine, there was a six-plunger fuel injection pump, and a seven-bearing crankshaft. This car was available as convertible, sedan and coupe body styles – in fact, about 5187 of the coupes and convertibles were built! However, what was more popular was the standard sedan, definitely – seeing as about 91,051 were produced. Maybe this was due to the price, which was half of that of the convertible- costing 12,444 dollars.

Then, a four-speed manual gearbox was the standard issue, but an automatic was also available, just as option equipment. You could find disc brakes in the front, and drums right in the rear. Just around 10,000 examples were produced during the five years, and this car is definitely very important in the history of the Mercedes Benz Company.

The 1972 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 3.5 convertible is an absolutely gorgeous car, and even if you try to find it today, you will surely find ones in excellent condition. The paint job is totally original, it’s straight and glossy, and you won’t find any body or paint work whatsoever. When you buy this car, go for one of which the jambs, rockers, and structural areas are solid and original. Do look at the chrome bumpers, and the trim – they should be free of any pitting, and be in good condition. Of course, looking at the interiors are a must – check out the seating surfaces, the carpets, and the door panels – ideally they should look as good as new. This car can come equipped with factory AC and the original Becker radio.

Photo by bramm77

You would be surprised to know that this car was launched in the market to replace the outdated fintail sedan range. Many kinds of engines and their associated models were produced, and the 280 was among them. But the market wanted a large V8 engine based vehicle, thus the 3.5 liter was produced and this could be seen in the 1972 280 model.

If you step into this car, it’s like stepping into style. We just can’t put it any other any. This is one of the true vintage cars out there. When you sit down upon the seating, it’s a classic Benz feeing like no other – there’s ample cushioning and support. When you put the key into the dash mounted ignition, when you turn it, the car starts with a purr, and the smooth V8 engine is born again. This car is ideal for driving on highways – as it’s smooth, and has amazing luxury suspension. In fact, if you hit the pedal, you see just how efficient the engine is!

The vertical headlamps are part of the beauty too. The car has many unique options, the famous 3.5 V8 engine, and amazing restoration behind it. It’s a rapidly appreciating car which you are sure to love.