Rare Mercedes convertible could sell for £250,000

A rare 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet could fetch up to £250,000 at auction this month.

The right-hand drive automatic Merc, one of just 68 made, will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ NEC classic motor show sale on Saturday, 15 November.

Hugely desirable, the soft-top has a 3.5-litre V8 under the bonnet and was the fastest and most expensive Mercedes convertible at the time. It is expected to fetch £200,000-£250,000 at auction.

Bought by the current vendor in the UK 11 years ago, it was exported to Australia where it was later treated to a five-year restoration costing more than $200,000.

‘This is a beautiful example of the car many regard as one of the finest in the world - rarely do we see a car that has had this level of care and attention lavished on it,’ said Guy Lees-Milne, Silverstone Auctions classic car specialist and general manager.

‘Not only is this a rare and expertly restored classic car but it could prove a fantastic investment - prices for the more abundant left-hand drive model have topped $425,000 recently,’ said Guy.