High Bid: $ 320,000

Only 52,000 original miles and only 2 owners. This car has had a full comprehensive restoration by World renowned Mercedes restoration specialist Mark Passarelli. The car was originally purchased by Mr. John C. Pritzlaff, Jr, a renown Arizona politician who served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1963-69 before being appointed as the Ambassador to Malta by President Richard Nixon in 1969. Mr. Pritzlaff commissioned Mr. Mark Passarelli, who famously restored the first steel bodied Gullwing to sell for more than $1M at auction, to undertake a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration of the car with no restriction as to time or budget and to do whatever was deemed to be required. The engine was completely refurbished, as was the chassis, suspension and interior. The 280SE 3.5 W111 model. was built for a period of less than two years, from November 1969 to July 1971 with very few models being sold in the U.S Generously applied chrome fittings, combined with the finest natural materials available, provide an unmatched ambiance of luxury and wealth in its lavishly appointed interior, where fine Roser leather, exquisite burl wood and chrome plated fittings abound, the standard of craftsmanship apparent everywhere on this car is nothing short of astonishing. The car had been built in the spring of 1971 and dispatched from the factory in Stuttgart in June of 1971. The original factory ‘Light Ivory’ (Color Code 670) paint in exceptionally fine condition and the rare and highly desirable factory options include the original white steering wheel, original reupholstered leather seats in a striking red, original center console with floor shifter, original ‘Becker Europa’ radio, low grille, original tools, jack and owner’s manuals and a copy of the original build sheet and original factory BEHR air conditioning; this stunning example would prove a worthy classic addition to any world class collection.