・Rarest W111 variant, produced for only two years (’65-’67)

・Right-hand drive example

・A veritable treasure trove of invoices, receipts and other paperwork

Mercedes-Benz have always been synonymous with luxurious, stylish, cruising machines, and the W111 250 SE is no exception. Designed by the renowned team of Paul Bracq and Friedrich Geiger (who were, in turn, the masterminds behind the post-war 300SL, W113 ‘Pagoda’ and R107) the W111 is a simply stunning coupé and without a doubt one of the best-looking designs to have worn the Mercedes-Benz badge. 

Throughout the production run of the W111 between 1961 and 1971, the design and engines were changed and refined numerous times, moving from the earlier M127 engine in the 220 SE up to the M129 engine found in the 250 SE. 

The 250SE was only produced for a short time - between 1965 and 1967, making it the rarest of all W111 variants. Despite its age, the 250SE and the rest of the W111 family still make excellent daily drivers and long-distance cruisers today, being able to keep up with modern-era traffic with ease.

This particular car left the factory in 1967 in right-hand-drive configuration, being fitted with the M129 150bhp engine coupled to a four-speed 722.2 automatic transmission which makes this W111 a fantastic long-distance cruiser. 

Prior to the former owner, the car benefitted from a full bare-metal respray in factory Ivory White which transformed the appearance of the car. Not only that, but it also appears to have benefitted from a no-holds-barred restoration with plenty of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, judging by the extensive file of invoices that back up the restoration. 

The mechanical aspects of the 250 SE were also overhauled prior to the previous owner, with the engine only showing just over 3100 miles since it was rebuilt, meaning this particular W111 is barely run-in, and should present as a fantastic, dependable, and (most importantly) usable car for years to come. 

As previously mentioned, the seller assures us that accompanying the car is an absolute treasure trove of Mercedes-Benz invoices for genuine classic parts, along with documentation for other aspects of the restoration and work carried out. 

Inside, the interior presents in absolutely fantastic condition, with a real air of classy, regal motoring from the moment you open the gorgeous pillar-less doors. The leather looks excellent, as expected for a car that has benefitted from a full interior re-trim in the correct-grade perforated leather. For a car that was designed with long-distance travel in mind, you can be sure that these seats will hold you in absolute comfort throughout. Carpets were completely replaced throughout, complementing the deep tan colour of the refreshed seats, complete with correct contrasting edges. 

Naturally, for a high-end car from this era, the interior has a plethora of wooden panels and detailing, and these too have received plenty of attention during the restoration process. The characteristic woodwork was fully repaired, treated and re-varnished, resulting in a real ‘depth’ to its appearance, which contrasts fantastically against the light, airy interior. 

Having been stripped back to bare metal and resprayed, the exterior naturally presents in fantastic order from what we can see. The paintwork looks nothing short of regal in the sunlight, with plentiful chrome detailing contrasting against the crisp Ivory White paintwork. 

All four wheels look to be in excellent condition, with no visible kerbing, scratches or other damage on any of the wheels, and are fitted with the correct tires complete with thin whitewall band characteristic of these W111’s. The wheels were one of the very few visual changes when the 250 SE took over from the earlier 220 SE, being sized up to 14” and fitted with new hubcaps, complete with now-iconic ‘beauty rings’ to match the chrome elsewhere on the vehicle. 

Speaking of the chrome, it all appears to be in excellent condition for its age, with only minor signs of typical patina for a vehicle that has been used, but well taken care of. As the seller puts it, it is merely ‘patina’ which tells the story of the car, and this 250 SE would look perfectly at-home in a high-end classic car show.

As previously mentioned, the mechanicals of the car were extensively refreshed and restored according to the seller and the trail of paperwork, prior to the current vendors’ ownership. The engine certainly looks the part from the photos we’ve seen, and appears to be in excellent health with no signs of damage, stains or leaks. In fact, it’s so clean you could probably eat your dinner off of it!

Not only that, but the underside was also treated to a light under-seal to help preserve this classic piece of German engineering for years to come. This coating is reportedly ‘patch free’ and the floors, sills and jacking points are still visible. 

This 250 SE provides ‘effortless’ driving according to the seller, and is more than capable of keeping up with modern-day traffic with ease, while the six-cylinder engine runs ‘as good as the car looks’ along with the automatic transmission which works as-intended, with no reported knocks, bangs, or other untoward noises. 

Well, where to begin? The W111 is one of the all-time design greats from Mercedes in all its iterations, and this late 250 SE model must be one of the most accessible and usable of the lot. 

With pillar-less doors, gorgeous styling and fantastic external condition, this is a real head-turner of a classic, while the previous restoration and mechanical work, this 250 SE is a truly usable piece of history, and would sit pride-of-place in any garage. 

*The mileage recorded in this listing is since rebuild*

Notice to bidders

Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here