1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Cabriolet

2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Indirect Fuel Injection
170bhp
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Presented in largely original condition
*1 of 706 300SE models built in 1964
*Powerful Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan

THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SE

The 300 SE was Mercedes-Benz's flagship model at the time of its introduction in 1961, superseding the 300 'Adenauer', and would remain so until the arrival of the 600 'Grosser Mercedes' in 1963. One of four models to share the new 'fin tail' body style first seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1959, the 300 SE (Type W112) entered production in saloon form, with coupé and cabriolet models arriving the following year. Although similar in appearance to the contemporary 220, the 300 SE was mechanically more refined, featuring self-levelling air suspension that would later feature on the 600, power assisted steering, servo assisted disc brakes on all four wheels and, from August 1963, dual-circuit braking. From 1964 the 2,996cc, Bosch fuel-injected, six-cylinder all-alloy engine produced 170bhp (DIN), an output sufficient to propel the luxuriously equipped 300 SE to around 200km/h, or 195km/h when equipped with the optional four-speed automatic transmission.

As is the case with all of Mercedes-Benz's many flagship models, ownership of the 300 SE was confined to a wealthy few; indeed, at the time of its launch in 1961, coincidental with that of the Jaguar E-Type, one could have bought two of the British sports cars for the price of a single 300 SE! Production of the 300 SE saloon ended in 1965 while that of the coupé and convertible continued into 1967, by which time 3,127 of the latter two models had been made. Today all examples of these classic coupés and cabriolets are highly sought after.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Mr. Spain evidently liked to purchase cars in pairs or triplicate. This 300SE Cabriolet joins the restored example as a part of the collection, and largely presents in what appears to be mostly original condition. Scant information exists regarding the vehicle's history of how it came to be, but it is currently finished in a white on white color scheme. The level of wear would lead one to believe that the car has never been restored. Still, the large sum of components have remained intact and with a bit of restoration work, this Mercedes could be a real show stopper.