Description
C L A S S I C B I D Auction at the RETRO CLASSICS on 24 March 2018, Stuttgart, Germany
1965 Mercedes 300 SE Convertible
Body colour: Silber
Trim colour: Black
Mileage: KM 132. 000
Estimate: EUR 165. 000 - 175. 000
- elegant and very rare Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Convertible
- the pinnacle of German engineering in the 1960s
- considered by many the most luxurious way of open-top driving
- rare example of a non-export car, delivered in Germany, full ownership history available
- with its current, third owner, an official Mercedes-Benz service garage, since 2003
- legendary 6 cylinder aluminum engine said to be recently overhauled at km 131, 142
- carefully restored and repainted in its original colour, silver metallic (Mercedes colour code 180)
- black leather interior with centre arm rest
- original Becker Mexico radio installed
- expert appraisal in 2018 states a replacement value of € 225, 000 (condition 2+)
- data card, booklet, German registration documents and historic plates
In the early 1960s, Mercedes-Benz found itself in a bit of a predicament: Its luxury sedan, the W189 "Adenauer" was beginning to look distinctly outdated. Its heir, the "Grand Mercedes" 600 (W100) was under development, but not quite ready. To bridge the gap, the existing W111 series was shouted a special trim level with an extra helping of chrome, leather and wood, as well as the large aluminum-block 3. 0 litre 6-cylinder engine and start-of-the-art technology including air suspension and power steering. Known by its internal code W112, the 300 SE became the rarest and most prestigious of the "tailfin" family. 5, 202 sedans were built until 1965, plus an additional 1, 546 with long wheelbase. The two-door variants, available from 1962 until 1967, were even rarer: Only 2, 419 coupés and 708 convertibles were manufactured - in the truest sense of the word, largely by hand - and sold to affluent customers, mostly in the US and other export markets.
Build quality was nothing short of excellent, further strengthening the reputation Mercedes-Benz had aquired as a luxury car maker around the world, and ensuring that right until today, half a century later, the popularity of these cars remains unbroken.
Auction catalogue: - details above
See you in Stuttgart!
