SPECIFICATION - MERCEDES 300 SE Fin-Tail - Manual Transmission – Reg No. MAN 305M
First Registration 19/ 05/ 1965. Vin No. 077 87, Eng No. 014 28. Previous Reg (UK) DYL 174C. Petrol, Maroon. Odometer Reading 75, 000 miles.
The Car has been modified slightly by the fitting of a 5-Speed Manual Gearbox out of a 1984 Mercedes W123 which also included the W123 Bell Housing and Clutch. The Chassis No. of the doner W123 was WDB 26. This totally transforms the driveability of the car and gives it longer legs for modern motor ways.
Otherwise, the car is basically as original Standard Specification, with the following additional modifications: -
The original front seats have been replaced with Adjustable Recarro style seats. Although I still have the original front Seats complete with arm rests etc., which can be refitted
Three Point Seat belts have been fitted both rear passengers and Three Point Inertia Reel Seat Belts are fitted for both front seat Passengers.
A Substantial Sump Guard is fitted to protect the sump, which on this model of car is extremely vulnerable being in front of the front cross member.
Brakes are fitted with Mintex 1144 pads and Brake Fluid is replaced with SRF Racing Fluid which stops fluid boiling which the small brakes car suffer from on long down hills.
A hydraulic Hand Brake is fitted in the centre console which works on the rear discs and is exceptionally effective.
A spare Ignition coil is fitted in readiness next to original.
An additional stand-by in-line electric fuel pump is fitted. And the Injection Pump is the later more reliable 6-Plunger Type.
There are two powerful Spot Lamps fitted properly wired via relays etc.
An additional mor powerful Reversing light is fitted.
An additional engine revolution counter is fitted on the dash.
There are two Flexible Map reading Lights in the front of the car and one in the rear.
A speedo cable drive fir a Halda Trip meter is fitted together with lighting wire. Halda Twin-master Trip Meter with complete set of Gears is available at extra cost. There is also connection for additional speedo drive to 2nd Rear Halda for rear passengers.
There is a Navigators Cowl for holding stop watches Halda etc.
The original “pneumatic central locking” pipes have been removed, but all locks still work.
The Car comes with Two spare wheels and tyres. Jack and wheel brace etc.
The car comes with a comprehensive History file of Work done, Invoices and Technical information and original Handbook. and there is a Comprehensive Spares Package.
HISTORY – MERCEDES 300 SE Fin-Tail – Reg No. MAN 305M
I purchased the car in 2003 specifically for use in Classic Road Regularity Rallies from a Mr Adam Pointer (Adams Automotive engineering) in Norwich. Adam is a well-known expert on restoration and preparation of Classic Mercedes Cars.
As part of the purchase Deal Adam completely overhauled the car for me including Rebuilding the engine and replacement of the gearbox with a 5-Speed overhauled Gearbox out of a Mercedes W123, which transformed the handling of the car. He also at the same time overhauled the suspension and steering.
I used the car on a number of classic regularity rallies with considerable success, including Overall winner of the RAC Rally of the tests and finishing in the top five on a number of occasions as well as podium results in the Poppy Rally and other events.
On some other Classic rallies, we used the car with Four people on board again finishing in top places. Hence the rear seat belts and rear navigation equipment for girls in the back.
The car is deceivingly competitive for an apparently large vehicle (but note: the Wheelbase and Track are virtually the same as my earlier Escort RS 2000) it is only the body overhang front and back make it look big. The advantage is that on longer events it gives the Navigator and driver a much more comfortable ride than the Escort, leading to better performance all round, with less fatigue.
I have always been extremely impressed with handling of the car, and although they soft suspension and apparent size of car might make it appear ungainly., it actually turns-In exceptionally well and keeps to a true neutral line on all surfaces and in all conditions. Never do you feel the car is getting away from you, whilst at the same time giving great confidence. The turning circle is exceptionally small when required, and the Brakes with the modified Fluid and Pads are very reliable. All round vision is very good and there is plenty of room for all the paraphernalia that one tends to carry on such events.
More recently the car has only been used for small classic runs and the occasional wedding car as despite its performance it still gives a luxurious ride when so required.
I am now approaching 80 years of age and unfortunately it is time for the car to go to a new home where it can be used to its best.
