The Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE represents the pinnacle of open-top luxury from the German automaker during the late 1960s. Produced between November 1967 and May 1971, this model is the final iteration of the W111 series, succeeding the 250 SE and 230 SE Cabriolets. The “SE” designation stands for “Sonderausstattung” (Special Equipment), indicating a higher level of standard features and refinement. The W111 Cabriolet was never officially sold in large numbers in the United States, but found a dedicated following among those seeking sophisticated European motoring. It occupies a significant place in automotive history as a symbol of post-war German engineering and design.
The Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE
The W111 series, introduced in 1959, was a comprehensive redesign for Mercedes-Benz, replacing the earlier “Fintail” models. The Cabriolet and Coupe versions, while sharing the W111 chassis and mechanical components, were styled differently, offering a more elegant and sporting appearance. The 280 SE Cabriolet, with its larger engine and improved features, is considered the most desirable version of the W111 open-top, representing the culmination of years of development and refinement. It was positioned as a luxury vehicle, competing with offerings from Jaguar and other premium European brands.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 280 SE Cabriolet is the M 130 E 28 inline-six cylinder engine, displacing 2.8 liters (2778 cm3 or 169.52 cu. in.). This engine produced 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. Featuring multi-port manifold fuel injection, the engine delivered smooth and responsive performance. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. While not a sports car, the 280 SE offered respectable acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 10 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 9.9 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 6.6 kg/Nm contributed to a refined driving experience. Fuel economy, however, was relatively low for the period, averaging 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg or 23 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The W111 Cabriolet boasts a classic and elegant design. Its two-door, five-seat configuration provides comfortable accommodation for passengers. The fully automatic soft top, a defining feature of the Cabriolet, could be raised or lowered with ease, offering open-air motoring when desired. The body lines are characterized by their flowing curves and understated elegance, reflecting the design sensibilities of the late 1960s. Inside, the cabin is appointed with high-quality materials, including wood trim and leather upholstery. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the time, included disc brakes on all four wheels, a significant advancement for the era. The spacious trunk offered 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft.) of storage. The car’s dimensions – 4880 mm (192.13 in.) in length, 1845 mm (72.64 in.) in width, and 1435 mm (56.5 in.) in height – provided a substantial presence on the road.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W111 |
| Generation | W111 Cabriolet |
| Type (Engine) | 280 SE (160 Hp) |
| Start of production | November, 1967 |
| End of production | May, 1971 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 19.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 23 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.1 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Power per tonne | 100.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.6 kg/Nm |
| Torque per tonne | 150.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4250 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 130 E 28 / 130.980 |
| Engine displacement | 2778 cm3 (169.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.5 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1590 kg (3505.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2060 kg (4541.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 470 kg (1036.17 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 82 l (21.66 US gal | 18.04 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4880 mm (192.13 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1482 mm (58.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
Today, the Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE is a highly sought-after classic car, prized for its elegant styling, robust engineering, and luxurious appointments. It represents a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s history and continues to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
