1967 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

*Wonderful restored condition
*1 of 253 300SE models made in 1967
*Powerful Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan

THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SE

'Hidden beneath the beautiful exterior of every Mercedes is the most advanced automobile engineering to be found anywhere in the world. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Convertible is a case in point. Symbolising luxury, power and the ultimate in sophistication, it is a car that has few equals for elegance and superb styling... for sheer technical perfection it is in a class of its own. A thoroughbred in appearance, a tiger in performance, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Convertible stands alone. Like every Mercedes-Benz it possesses an air of distinction and quality that reflects the unique personality of its fortunate owner.' - Mercedes-Benz.

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

An automatic-transmission model, the 300 SE convertible offered here was treated to a complete restoration sometime in its not too distant past. Finished in an attractive color combination of a pale green with a dark brown top, the luxurious interior has been completed with grey leather seats and a taupe dashboard. Both the exterior and interior show in splendid condition with barely any signs of age or abuse. Recently, the team at the museum were able to run and drive the vehicle. That being said, it has remained sitting for a good deal of time, so a further mechanical inspection would best serve the car in returning it to proper road use.

Accompanying the convertible are a multitude of Mercedes booklets and its spare tire found in the trunk. Effortless stylish and incomparably comfortable, this rare Cabriolet will make for the perfect weekend cruiser.