Description
One of Mercedes’ rarest luxury saloons. Only 1546 long-wheelbase 300SE saloons were produced between 1963 and 1965. In the UK that was certainly no small part due to costing twice the price of a Jaguar E-Type.
Based on a lengthened version of the familiar Fintail’s chassis, the 300SE replaced the Adenauer as Mercedes’ flagship saloon model. It was certainly a technological tour de force for its day, featuring air suspension on four-wheel independent suspension, fuel injection on its Gullwing derived 3-litre straight-six, power-assisted, dual-circuit disc brakes front and rear and power steering. With the four-speed automatic transmission it could exceed 120mph.
This left-hand drive example (almost all are LHD) was recently in Kuwait’s Sheik Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s collection having been purchased from Austria in 2019. In 2022, after the Sheik’s death, it was imported into the UK.
Evidently subject to a significant restoration, it wears blue over silver paintwork, but its party-piece is surely the incredible interior. Beautifully trimmed in the same tartan fabric used in Gullwings (surely as a nod to that M189 3-litre engine) it looks fabulous.
No corrosion is evident on the bodywork and the underside is in excellent original order. The brightwork is generally in decent condition. The wheels have been upgraded to 14in from the original 13in allowing a wider choice of tyres.
The interior is in immaculate condition, as a result of its restoration. The original Becker radio is with the car but not currently fitted.
Recent work has included a full service, new tyres, brake service and new tail lamps as detailed in the history file.
Featured on the front cover of summer 2023’s issue of Classic Mercedes magazine and the subject of a seven-page feature inside.
This is a very nice running and driving 300SE with excellent oil pressure and temperature readings. It rides beautifully on its air suspension; the brakes are very responsive, and the 3-litre engine provides exceptional performance for its era.
A great opportunity to acquire one of these exceptionally rare and technically exotic luxury saloons.
