Highlights
- 2 owners from new
- Only 41,412 Km
- Recent full service
- IPO (Portuguese government test) until April 2026
- Incredibly rare manual gearbox coupé
- Recent respray in original Tunis Beige Metallic
The Appeal
What we have here is Genesis. The W112 series were produced from 1965 to 1972 as a luxurious update of the W111 ‘fintail’ saloons. They became a legend and eventually evolved into the S-Class we are all so familiar with.
The 300SE Coupé is one of the rarest and most desirable cars in the world – effortlessly combining a potent drivetrain with a smooth, luxurious drive and timelessly stylish design. Over the entire production time, only 2419 coupes have been manufactured of which 2149 were left hand drive.
This example, a first series W112 coupé finished in gorgeous Tunis Beige Metallic, is presented in fantastic condition, with a very attractive colour scheme and specification.
This example, a first series W112 coupé finished in gorgeous Tunis Beige Metallic, is presented in fantastic condition, with a very attractive colour scheme and specification.
With just two owners from new and less than 42,000Km covered, this highly original and exceptionally well maintained car must surely be one of the most collectible and covetable cars on the planet.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered in Portugal
- Previously imported from France
- Private plate included
- Serviced by an employee of the previous owner (a Mercedes collector)
- Currently owned by a classic Mercedes collector
- Clube Portugues De Automoveis Antigos letter of authenticity
- Original Handbooks
- IPO (Portuguese government test) until April 2026
- Only being sold as the owner needs to trim their collection
The Interior
- Original factory-fitted Nancy radio/cassette system
- Black leather upholstery
- Gorgeous polished wood trim
One of the most wonderful things about classic Mercedes is the way the cabin environment makes you feel. They’re an exemplification of elegance, class and sophisticated design touches.
The interior of this coupé is no different, trimmed in plush, high-quality black leather and finished with exceptionally well-chosen wooden trim and brightwork, it’s a simply gorgeous place to spend time.
There are no signs of significant wear, no rips and no damage we could see to any of the upholstery – both the leather seats, the retractable central arm rest and the door cards are in excellent condition.
All of the carpets are dark grey and in fine condition, with rubber mats in the front cabin.
There are no signs of significant wear, no rips and no damage we could see to any of the upholstery – both the leather seats, the retractable central arm rest and the door cards are in excellent condition.
All of the carpets are dark grey and in fine condition, with rubber mats in the front cabin.
Besides this, the dash itself is in fine condition, with no cracks or damage and no missing trim. The headlining, finished in perforated cream vinyl, is very good too, with no damage or signs of sagging.
Wood trim, polished to a lovely rubine shine, adorns the dash front, window surrounds and centre console and is in excellent order, with no evidence of warping or cracking.
Wood trim, polished to a lovely rubine shine, adorns the dash front, window surrounds and centre console and is in excellent order, with no evidence of warping or cracking.
At the rear, the boot space is vast and in a fine state, lined with a rubber floor panel and featuring a full-size spare wheel.
There is some light patina and the occasional minor mark on some of the switchgear and instruments, but this is commensurate with the age of the car.
Meanwhile, the vendor tells us that all of the cabin’s functions, switchgear and instruments are fully functional, and it certainly appears to be in lovely condition.
The owner describes the interior as “a 9 out of 10”, and we see no reason to disagree with that assessment.
Meanwhile, the vendor tells us that all of the cabin’s functions, switchgear and instruments are fully functional, and it certainly appears to be in lovely condition.
The owner describes the interior as “a 9 out of 10”, and we see no reason to disagree with that assessment.
The Exterior
- Finished in original Tunis Beige Metallic (462H)
- Recently resprayed
- Original brightwork
- Exceptional condition
Shimmering in Tunis Beige Metallic (in reality, more of a metallic gold), the recently resprayed bodywork is one of this vehicle’s trump cards. It’s presented in excellent condition, with only one or two very minor blemishes. The vendor noted that the car was resprayed in 2005 and has some small marks on the exterior chrome.
The colour suits the car perfectly, emphasising both the beauty of the car’s lines and the grandeur of a large, luxury coupé.
The colour suits the car perfectly, emphasising both the beauty of the car’s lines and the grandeur of a large, luxury coupé.
As for the actual metalwork, it is in exceptional order for a 57 year old car. You can really tell that the vehicle has been lovingly cared for and very well maintained.
Other than a small dent on the driver’s door (which looks like it would be easily dealt with using PDR) the panels are straight, undamaged and free from corrosion.
Even the underside looks almost like a new car, being in extremely clean and tidy condition, with no signs of corrosion or damage repair we could see.
Other than a small dent on the driver’s door (which looks like it would be easily dealt with using PDR) the panels are straight, undamaged and free from corrosion.
Even the underside looks almost like a new car, being in extremely clean and tidy condition, with no signs of corrosion or damage repair we could see.
All of the external trim pieces and badges are present and correct, with the lights and glass being free from chips and cracks. The brightwork itself is in fine original condition, with only slight pitting in places hinting at the car’s age.
Overall, it looks great and adds a real sense of character and prestige to the vehicle.
Overall, it looks great and adds a real sense of character and prestige to the vehicle.
Riding on 13” original steel wheels with colour-coded centre-caps and tyres with good tread, this is a fantastic looking vehicle that’s ready to go into service as a daily classic or as a cherished part of another collection.
The Mechanics
- 2,966cc straight-six M189 engine
- RARE 4-speed manual transmission
- Serviced by the previous owner’s employee
- IPO (Portuguese government test) until April 2026
W112 drivetrains are legendary for their build quality and reliability.
That Mercedes straight-six is a wonderful unit and, in this form, produces a healthy 168bhp thanks to a meaty 3.0-litre capacity and Bosch mechanical fuel injection.
With that power being delivered to the rear wheels via power steering, disc brakes at each corner, all-round air suspension and front double wishbones, these cars ride and drive just as well as they look. The air suspension that drives perfectly in this car, was also a feature that was exclusive to the W112 series and was able to convince its buyers.
That Mercedes straight-six is a wonderful unit and, in this form, produces a healthy 168bhp thanks to a meaty 3.0-litre capacity and Bosch mechanical fuel injection.
With that power being delivered to the rear wheels via power steering, disc brakes at each corner, all-round air suspension and front double wishbones, these cars ride and drive just as well as they look. The air suspension that drives perfectly in this car, was also a feature that was exclusive to the W112 series and was able to convince its buyers.
Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks in excellent condition, with no signs of leaks or corrosion. Clearly, it has been very well cared for.
Having covered less than 800 Km per year on average, and having been part of two collections through its life, the attention and care lavished on it really does show.
The owner tells us that the car has been serviced yearly and never wanted for anything.
Mechanically they assure us that the vehicle has no faults and sounds like “a lion” with no leaks or smoke from the exhaust.
The owner tells us that the car has been serviced yearly and never wanted for anything.
Mechanically they assure us that the vehicle has no faults and sounds like “a lion” with no leaks or smoke from the exhaust.
Summary
When it comes to classic luxury coupés, nothing comes close to a Mercedes-Benz. And the W112 300SEC is probably the best of the lot.
With gorgeous, elegant yet restrained styling, fine drivetrains and opulent internal appointments, they are the perfect choice for anyone wanting to experience a taste of the 60s Riviera lifestyle.
With gorgeous, elegant yet restrained styling, fine drivetrains and opulent internal appointments, they are the perfect choice for anyone wanting to experience a taste of the 60s Riviera lifestyle.
We have a feeling you’ll struggle to find a better example than this car too.
Meticulously maintained by two classic Mercedes collectors, kept in a warm, dry climate, genuine low mileage, very original and presented in stunning Tunis Beige Metallic over black leather, it ticks just about every box you could wish for.
Meticulously maintained by two classic Mercedes collectors, kept in a warm, dry climate, genuine low mileage, very original and presented in stunning Tunis Beige Metallic over black leather, it ticks just about every box you could wish for.
These kind of opportunities come up very rarely, so whether you’re looking to invest in an appreciating classic, add to an existing collection or you’ve simply always wanted a W112 coupé, we think this would be the perfect choice
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