1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 Series Cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz began offering a luxurious selection of Cabriolet models in the 1930s. The 500 and 540 Cabriolet were renowned for their high-speed open touring in the mid-1930s. The early post-war years saw the 300 'Adenauer' series become one of the finest cars available worldwide. When it came to introducing a new flagship model, Mercedes-Benz launched the W112. This new model was nearly twice the price of the 220 series. Adding to their exclusivity, they were sold out worldwide.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloons, first shown at the Ferrari Auto Show in 1965, had the so-called 'New Generation' bodyshell. The Coupes and Cabriolets, however, had the timelessly elegant coachwork that debuted in 1959 on the 220SE. These top-of-the-range luxury models were equipped with air conditioning, electric windows, and stereo radio as standard. The 300SE was given a fuel-injected version of Mercedes-Benz's new, overhead-camshaft, seven-bearing six-cylinder engine that displaced 2996cc and offered 170 bhp (DIN). The buyer was given a choice of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. In the back, there was a Mercedes-Benz hydro-pneumatic self-leveling system. In this guise, the 300Se was capable of 120 mph and could reach zero-to-sixty in about 12 seconds.

The W112 300 SE left the Stuttgart Mercedes-Benz plant in 1963. It was fitted with the optional four-speed manual transmission and finished in medium-blue color over the gray leather interior, the same livery it wears today. The first owner was Margaret Rockefeller Strong de Larraín, a granddaughter of oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. The 300SE stayed in Southern France before relocating to Palm Beach, Florida. It remained there in the care of two Floridian owners until recently.

Power is from the all-alloy fuel-injected straight-six engine, essentially carried over from the 300 SL roadster. There is a Becker radio and a period Kuhlmeister air-conditioning system.

In the care of its most recent owner, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $80,000-100,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $79,750 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011