Description
Mercedes-Benz W111 220 SEB Coupé – Beautifully Preserved Classic
Highlights
Formerly part of the prestigious Kemp Auto Museum collection in the USA
Rare rear “opera seats”
Retrofitted Fridgeking air conditioning
Original Becker Mexico radio
Beautifully preserved and highly original throughout
UK registered since 2016
Stored indoors and supplied with indoor and outdoor covers
The Car
For sale is this exceptionally elegant Mercedes-Benz W111 220 SEB Coupé, often referred to as the “Heckflosse”. A wonderful example of Mercedes-Benz engineering from an era when these cars were built with an extraordinary level of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
This particular car was formerly part of the renowned Kemp Auto Museum collection in the USA before making its way to the UK, where it has been registered since 2016.
The history prior to its time in the museum is not fully documented, although I have corresponded with a former museum employee who had the opportunity to use the car for a short period before the museum's collection was sold. He recalled that the Mercedes was purchased, along with a convertible, from an elderly couple who were members of the Mercedes Classic Owners Club.
The car retains its original Becker Mexico radio and is remarkably original throughout. The only significant modification is the addition of Fridgeking air conditioning, which makes the car considerably more enjoyable to use in modern conditions while retaining its classic character.
As the photographs show, the car presents beautifully for its age. It has been kept indoors and comes with both indoor and outdoor covers. The underside has been undercoated, but this was carried out for protection rather than to conceal defects, and prospective buyers are very welcome to inspect the car thoroughly.
The rare rear “opera seats” are a particularly charming feature and add to the character and desirability of this already special coupé.
This is a genuinely lovely example of the W111 and a car that captures the elegance and quality for which Mercedes-Benz was once renowned. It has been preserved rather than over-restored, retaining the originality and character that make these cars so appealing to enthusiasts and collectors.
Serious enquiries and inspections are welcome.
If you want, I can also turn this into a shorter, more prestigious “collector’s car” advert designed to appeal to buyers on Car & Classic, eBay or specialist Mercedes forums. Prestigious provenance – Its former place in the Kemp Auto Museum collection gives the car an interesting collector history and sets it apart from an ordinary W111.
Rare rear “opera seats” – A particularly desirable and unusual feature that gives the coupé extra character and makes it an excellent car for special occasions.
Exceptional -The original Becker Mexico radio and largely untouched character reinforce this.
Elegant, understated design – The W111 coupé has one of Mercedes-Benz’s most admired designs, combining the famous tailfin styling with the much cleaner, more sophisticated lines of the coupé.
Fridgeking air conditioning – A thoughtful improvement that makes the car considerably more usable today without fundamentally changing its classic appeal.
Indoor storage and covers – Evidence that the car has been cared for, while the covers are a practical bonus for the next owner.
UK history since 2016
The period-correct feel – The Becker radio, original interior character and preserved condition
Usability as well as collectability – This isn't just a car to look at. The coupé configuration, rear seats and air conditioning make it an appealing car for touring, events and relaxed summer driving.
The “old Mercedes” quality – The craftsmanship, solidity and detailing of these cars are a major part of their appeal.
