Auction Action: Amelia Island 2010

•An Original US-Delivery, Matching-Numbers Example • Known Ownership History • Longtime California Car • Exceptional Restoration by 300 SL Specialist Mark Allen

The Only Known Example of Its Kind • Fascinating Provenance and History • Sympathetically Refurbished by Hatch & Sons Automotive • Remarkable Craftsmanship and Detail • Featured Prominently in The Star Magazine and Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen

Striking Originality • Low-Mileage, Four-Owner Example • Desirable Center Console Floor Shift • Classic Convertible Sedan Body • Powerful 3.5-Liter Engine

The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet pictured here was purchased by the vendor five years ago. Restored within about the last 15 years in Orange County, it formerly resided in sunny, dry Southern California and as such remains in excellent condition throughout. Currently showing 79,000 miles, the owner reports the car to be in excellent mechanical condition and has undertaken such cosmetic work as redoing the interior with new light tan upholstery. Finished in navy blue with a light tan convertible top and boot, the car is reported to be in as-new condition, from the paint and chrome to the interior. factory air conditioning and a floor-shift automatic transmission – both very desirable features.

This particular example, finished in cream with a striking red leather interior, was acquired by the vendor about five years ago after having received a frame-off restoration. According to information provided to the owner at the time of purchase, it was formerly owned by a Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee and Disney board member. Since its acquisition, the car has been shown and driven very sparingly. It is reported to run and drive well, without any issues. While at a concours event, the car was inspected by a Mercedes-Benz factory trained mechanic, who marveled at the car’s period correctness and remarked that he was hard-pressed to find any incorrect pieces on the entire car. Properly maintained and beautifully presented, this is a handsome example, worthy of serious consideration.

The Gullwing presented here, chassis 5500366, is documented in the Gullwing Registry and was acquired by the O’Quinn Collection in 2004 after having received a comprehensive and very expensive nut and bolt restoration by a leading marque specialist. Finished in DB190 graphite gray with a dark red leather interior, the color combination is superb, complemented by red carpeting and matching fitted red leather luggage.

The car is finished in silver with a black interior, and it is best described as being in good driver condition. There is a small ding in the decklid and a cracked taillight. The odometer indicates just under 75,000 miles which is consistent with the car’s overall condition, although there is no documentation to support the indication. The paint is in very presentable condition, and the chrome and bright trim is very good. The rear seats show evidence of minor cracking and signs of aging, although the front seats are in much better condition, indicating restoration work at some point. The wood trim is quite good, particularly the door caps and garnishes.