And then wins ‘Best of Show’ with the vintage cabrio.
There’s something special about driving a classic car. It’s a machine that brings you back to a different time, where going for a drive was a satisfying experience. No Bluetooth, texts, electronic gizmos, GPS, and apps; just you, your car, and the road. The overabundance of electronics and technology in today’s cars keeps you constantly connected and plugged-in, which makes this restored Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet brought back to original condition by Brabus Classic a beautiful, luxury driving machine to behold.
The classic Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet restored by Brabus Classic was so impressive, in fact that it took home the ‘Best of Show’ award at the Emirates Classic Car Festival in Dubai held February 27 to March 3, 2014. Five jurors from the “Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens” (FIVA) were tasked with judging 380 vehicles in the exhibition and chose the Brabus Classic 280 SE Cabriolet for the award, presented by Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA Vice-President and President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates.
“The unanimous vote of an international jury of experts for the 280 SE Cabriolet as the best vintage car of the festival is a testament to the excellent job we do with BRABUS Classic in the restoration of vintage Mercedes-Benz cars,” declared Prof. h.c. Bodo Buschmann, CEO of BRABUS Group. “This affirms our inviolate philosophy of restoring a vintage car perfectly down to the last detail.”
Brabus Classic, the professional restoration wing of the Brabus Group, spent 1,800 hours rebuilding the W111 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet. Every part and panel was removed and disassembled while each nut and bolt was catalogued and inspected. The parts that were unserviceable were thrown away, while others that could be reconditioned were painstakingly brought back to original working condition.
The entire exterior of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet was stripped down and each body panel was dipped in catalytic dip primer coating for better corrosion protection. The panels were then repainted in the original Grey Beige Metallic color while each chrome piece was replated to bring back the original shine.
Beneath that shimmering paint is an inline-six cylinder engine that was completely disassembled and rebuilt. The cylinders were grinded and honed while the cylinder head was overhauled along with the entire transmission, differential, and drivetrain. All of the suspension and braking components were replaced with all-new parts to bring back that buttery soft ride and ensure maximum safety.
Brabus’s upholstery shop worked their magic inside and out as they used fine, original Tobacco-colored leather to bring back the original feel of the interior and tonneau cover of the soft top cabriolet. The soft top of the 280 SE Cabriolet was color-matched with the floor mats and all of the wood inlays were refinished and restored.
Every aspect of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet was disassembled and restored by the incredibly detailed team at Brabus Classic to bring a special car back to its original glory. The 280 SE Cabriolet will be on display at the Techno Classica from March 26 to 30.
Brabus Classic Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet Gallery
Source: Brabus
Would you choose the Brabus Classic Mercedes-Benz 280 SE over a modern-day Mercedes-Benz convertible?
