Highlights

Rare factory right-hand drive model
One of just 5,259 250 SE Coupés ever made
Engine replaced with that from a more powerful 280 model
Significant work carried out by Reese Brothers and Steve Redfearn at a cost of almost £20,000
Engine rebuild and gearbox balance carried out in 2020
Road tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt

The Appeal

Regarded as one of the most elegant and well-made coupés of all time, just over five thousand 250 SEs were offered in two-door form. The Coupé showcased the full extent of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering capabilities, proving to be as sublime in operation as it was to look at.

This rare right-hand drive 1966 example benefits from a great deal of attention in recent years, with almost £20,000 spent on the mechanicals alone. It continues to present beautifully throughout, with a charming patina demonstrating how commendably original it remains. For those seeking a classic that’s truly superb in every way, this 250 SE Coupé is an exquisite example of a remarkable model.

History and Paperwork

UK-supplied factory right-hand drive example
First registered on 6th May 1966
Twelve previous keepers
Engine replaced by the more powerful 280 model - first acknowledged on the 1977 logbook
Significant work carried out by Reese Brothers and Steve Redfearn in recent years
Most of the paperwork supplied has been amassed post-2017
Purchased by the current owner in July 2017 at auction
101,311 miles indicated but not believed to be accurate
Stored in a garage and used sparingly in recent years
The car is now road tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Current V5C present

The Condition

The stylish coupé bodywork is in lovely order
Great colour combination of dark blue over grey upholstery
A straight and solid example, resprayed in 2017
The interior is complete with replacement carpets, recovered seats, a refurbished steering wheel, and new period-appropriate seat belts
Some patina is now evident to the paintwork including some crazing and a slight run to the nearside front wing, a small crack on the roof and another on the boot lid
Exquisite Zebrano woodwork
The woodwork adorning the nearside A-post has delaminated and split somewhat
Retro-inspired DIN stereo fitted
The vendor states that the trim is complete apart from chrome wind caps for both passenger and driver doors
The headlining remains in very good condition

This is a supremely usable example with very sound underpinnings. It’s immensely solid, straight and well-presented without being overly pristine.

The interior is lovely, with smart upholstery and Zebrano woodwork which is in lovely order overall. There’s no excessive wear to the seats which benefit from having been recovered and new carpets also lift its appearance considerably. Benefiting from a respray in 2017, garage storage and sparing use, there are no signs of excessive corrosion or wear to be seen. The doors fit well, shutting with a resounding “thunk” and there’s a general feel of quality to all you see and interact with.

The Mechanics

2.8-litre petrol-injected straight-six from a later 280 SE
Four-speed automatic gearbox
Engine rebuild and gearbox balance carried out around 500 miles ago, in 2020, costing £19,190 - carried out by Steve Redfearn in Wimbledon
All presents beautifully under the bonnet

Following the fitment of a larger engine some years ago, this 250 SE performs very well indeed according to the vendor. Most notably, the copious recent expenditure with marque specialists has ensured that it runs exactly as it should following an engine rebuild and shifts gears smoothly thanks to a gearbox balance.

The vendor reports that the car drives very well indeed, tracking straight, wafting along nicely and remaining impressively quiet.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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