The Mercedes 280SE looks great and has a smooth V-8 engine, so it might be the best cruiser ever. These vehicles were renowned for their exceptional over-engineering, and this particular example meets all the criteria with its selection of optional features and an outstanding color combination. This is a unique collector car that is a joy to drive. This does not mean any harm to the car, but you know that Janis Joplin did not expect a 220D. Something that God had given her was one of those Mercedes with a big M from the company’s best times. Anything like this beautiful 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE roadster that’s for sale at Bring a Trailer. It’s owned by Hearst Autos, the same company that owns Invoice Pricing. That shade of green is beautiful. The official color, Moss Green, goes well with the wood trim and buttery cognac leather inside this huge Mercedes drop top. It would be like driving a car with the top down and the three-pointed star heading straight down the French Riviera in a luxury motor launch. The 200 horsepower and 211 pound-feet of torque from the 3.5-liter V-8 engine under the hood are sent to the back wheels by a four-speed automatic gearbox. The 280SE, which is meant for smooth, leisurely driving, is the best car for restomod powerboat tricks like this one. The 280SE, which Mercedes-Benz made from 1969 to 1971, is a beautiful example of a classic car. Because they are so rare, the V-8 versions are especially important. In a lot of ways, this car was a precursor to Mercedes’ current motto, “The Best or Nothing.” Power windows and air conditioning are extras that you can choose to add. For its time, the W111 frame was complicated. It had disc brakes all around and a double wishbone suspension up front. It’s 14 inches across, the wheels are painted in colors that go well together, and they run on modern tires. Putting together the power of that undistressed V-8 gives it a classic look and speed that is more than enough for today’s roads. Really, all you need are some really old sunglasses. On the Pacific Coast Highway, turn on your Becker AM/FM radio and play some Joplin. That’s what Janis would have wanted. March 14 is the last day to bid on the sale.
