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A CLASSIC Mercedes-Benz that’s been described as the “finest in existence” is up for sale.
The stunning 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet heads to auction in meticulous condition, having been gloriously preserved through generations and never needing to be restored.
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Not only has it retained its original chassis engine, gearbox, bodywork and interior, but it’s also merely done just 20,192 miles at the time of sale, despite its 53-year age.
That means, on average, it’s been driven just over a mile a day.
Finished in a gorgeous midnight blue colour, it reportedly once featured in Henry Rasmussen’s book ‘Mercedes For the Road: The Survivors Series’ and was owned by famed Mercedes collector Karl Keller from 1987 to 2003.
Luxury Auto News reports that bidding for the Merc opens in Los Angeles, California, on December 18.
A spokesperson for RM Sotheby’s, the world renowned auction house that’s handling the sale, said: “Proudly entering its sixth decade of preservation, this outstanding example is arguably the best 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet in existence.
“A car that has taken pride of place in one of the finest collections of Mercedes-Benzes in the United States, and that exudes a truly exceptional level of originality on top of its incredibly desirable factory specification.
“The next owner of this remarkable Mercedes-Benz won’t just acquire the most original and well-preserved example of its type—they will own one of the most accomplished, glamorous, and desirable machines to ever wear the Three-Pointed Star.
“For such a top-tier classic to boast a dream specification, low mileage, and such a remarkable level of care and preservation is truly rare—and not an opportunity to be missed.”
In October, The Sun US reported on the extraordinary collection of cars up for sale from the inventory at Rudi Klein’s Los Angeles junkyard.
Among the classic cars left rusted and gathering dust over a number of years was a vast selection of retro Porsches, a trio of dilapidated Lamborghinis, and even a Mercedes Gulwing.
This comes as a Lewis Hamilton-inspired Mercedes G-Wagon with a rectangular steering wheel was recently unveiled.
The “Sir Class” was revealed by HOF, a brand known for making tuned versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Images show the car with a silver-to-black finish, inspired by the team’s racing colours, with Petronas Tiffany Green accents on the 23-inch wheels, wing mirrors, and throughout the interior.
The outline of the Yas Marina circuit, where the Abu Dhabi GP is held, is embroidered into the car’s headliner.
Elsewhere, Mercedes’ little-known ultra-premium marque Maybach revealed the “sportiest model” in their history at the Monterey Car Week in August.
Set to rival the likes of Ferrari and Bentley, and produced around the standard Mercedes SL, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series will offer a couple two-tone liveries with black over red or white.
Naturally, the interior is finished in crystal-white nappa leather, while the seats are trimmed with a bespoke floral pattern.
In terms of power, the SL 680 Monogram Series will keep the base 4.0-litre biturbo V8 from the standard Merc SL63 – capable of 577bhp.
According to Merc, the SL63 is capable of around 196 mph.
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