1965 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Coupe

The unibody chassis used by Mercedes-Benz in 1960 began a policy by the company of building all of its automobiles on the same basic W110/111 chassis. Initially, they all used the same 2.2-liter engine. The various price levels were distinguished by the different interior and exterior trim.

In March 1962 Stuttgart's designers unveiled a new flagship model, the 300 SE, which shared the same basic lines as the 220. It came with the M189 all-alloy 3-liter 6-cylinder engine along with full air suspension and an even neater finish. The engine was a development of the powerplant found in the 300 SL Gullwings and Roadsters, with the latest Bosch mechanical fuel injection system. The revised chassis featured an effective air suspension system similar to that used on the 600 limousine, along with power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels and a limited slip differential. These changes brought about the W112 designation, setting them apart from the considerably cheaper 220/250 models. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, although a four-speed manual could be ordered and later cars could be had with a ZF five-speed unit. The inside featured wool carpet, leather upholstery and rich timber veneers.

In convertible version, its production was limited to just 708 units, making it a very rare model. They were also the most expensive car to wear the Three-Pointed Star aside from the 600.

This particular example is a W112 300 SE Coupe from the last year of production before the company introduced a new engine range and restyled the front grille. This car is finished in original Medium Blue paint with cognac leather interior. It has European-specification headlamps in the front flanking the grille.

The current owner acquired the car from a Mercedes-Benz dealer technician who had driven it sparingly since 1978.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016