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1969' Mercedes-Benz Se Series
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£60,000Published 30 October 2025ID: qJKLpn
- Bedfordshire
- +44Show phone
Information from the owner
Body: Coupe
Age: 56 years
Exterior color: Blue
Electronics: Parking Assist Rear
Seller's comments about 1969' Mercedes-Benz Se Series
The Millbrook Sale | Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
Viewing: Tues 2nd December from 12pm
Auction: Wed 3rd December from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 'California Roadster'
Bespoke conversion of a rare, UK-supplied car
Estimate
£60, 000 - £80, 000
Registration No: XPL 444G
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Off the road for more than a decade prior to entering the current ownership
Professionally converted from Fixed Head Coupe to Roadster configuration with strengthened sills and a reinforced floorpan
Finished in the gorgeous combination of Austin-Healey Ice Blue metallic with Cognac leather upholstery
Extensive history file
Faster and more powerful than its 300SE predecessor, the 280SE was the ultimate six-cylinder expression of Paul Bracq’s iconic and oh so elegant W111-series pillarless Coupe. Sharing its 2. 8 litre, fuel injected SOHC engine with the contemporary 280SL sportscar, the four-seater was effectively handbuilt. Equipped with power steering, all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes not to mention not to mention sumptuous leather upholstery and a wood inlaid dashboard, the 280SE was a paragon of luxury and refinement. Among the best looking cars of the 1960s in either Coupe or Cabriolet guise, its hefty price tag ensured limited sales. Thus, just 150 of the 3, 797 280SE Coupes made were to right-hand drive specification.
Among less than 100 UK-supplied examples, ‘XPL 444G’ had been off the road for several years when the vendor acquired it in 2024. The subject of an extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration whilst owned by R. J. Mody Esq of London W2 during the early 1980s, its accompanying history file also records thousands of pounds worth of expenditure into the 2010s. Inspired by the California Coupe which Mercedes-Benz offered across its W113 range (230SL / 250SL / 280SL), the seller chose to convert the 280SE into a ‘California Roadster’ as part of an extensive bodywork restoration. Bereft of any form of roof, the four-seater retains wind-up windows should its passengers wish to shelter from the airstream at speed. Arguably better strengthened than Mercedes-Benz’s own 280SE Cabriolet, ‘XPL 444G’ features specially re-engineered sills and a reinforced floorpan. The doors open and close with ease and scuttle shake is kept to a minimum. Finished in the stunning combination of Austin-Healey Ice Blue Metallic with Cognac leather upholstery, the Mercedes-Benz turns heads wherever it goes. Looking like an escapee from a film set or an advertisement shoot, ‘XPL 444G’ is thought to have covered circa 36, 000 miles since its engine and automatic gearbox were rejuvenated. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file dating back almost fifty years, it started readily during our recent photography session. Four-seater 1960s cars rarely come much cooler!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
Viewing: Tues 2nd December from 12pm
Auction: Wed 3rd December from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JH
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 'California Roadster'
Bespoke conversion of a rare, UK-supplied car
Estimate
£60, 000 - £80, 000
Registration No: XPL 444G
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Off the road for more than a decade prior to entering the current ownership
Professionally converted from Fixed Head Coupe to Roadster configuration with strengthened sills and a reinforced floorpan
Finished in the gorgeous combination of Austin-Healey Ice Blue metallic with Cognac leather upholstery
Extensive history file
Faster and more powerful than its 300SE predecessor, the 280SE was the ultimate six-cylinder expression of Paul Bracq’s iconic and oh so elegant W111-series pillarless Coupe. Sharing its 2. 8 litre, fuel injected SOHC engine with the contemporary 280SL sportscar, the four-seater was effectively handbuilt. Equipped with power steering, all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes not to mention not to mention sumptuous leather upholstery and a wood inlaid dashboard, the 280SE was a paragon of luxury and refinement. Among the best looking cars of the 1960s in either Coupe or Cabriolet guise, its hefty price tag ensured limited sales. Thus, just 150 of the 3, 797 280SE Coupes made were to right-hand drive specification.
Among less than 100 UK-supplied examples, ‘XPL 444G’ had been off the road for several years when the vendor acquired it in 2024. The subject of an extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration whilst owned by R. J. Mody Esq of London W2 during the early 1980s, its accompanying history file also records thousands of pounds worth of expenditure into the 2010s. Inspired by the California Coupe which Mercedes-Benz offered across its W113 range (230SL / 250SL / 280SL), the seller chose to convert the 280SE into a ‘California Roadster’ as part of an extensive bodywork restoration. Bereft of any form of roof, the four-seater retains wind-up windows should its passengers wish to shelter from the airstream at speed. Arguably better strengthened than Mercedes-Benz’s own 280SE Cabriolet, ‘XPL 444G’ features specially re-engineered sills and a reinforced floorpan. The doors open and close with ease and scuttle shake is kept to a minimum. Finished in the stunning combination of Austin-Healey Ice Blue Metallic with Cognac leather upholstery, the Mercedes-Benz turns heads wherever it goes. Looking like an escapee from a film set or an advertisement shoot, ‘XPL 444G’ is thought to have covered circa 36, 000 miles since its engine and automatic gearbox were rejuvenated. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file dating back almost fifty years, it started readily during our recent photography session. Four-seater 1960s cars rarely come much cooler!
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
