1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE

During the early 1950s, the cars produced by Mercedes-Benz included the expensive 300 Adenauer and the exclusive 300SL grand tourers. As the 1950s were coming to a close, replacements were being introduced that continued to encompass passenger comfort and mechanical sophistication, along with modern designs and safety. The basic cabin was widened and squared off, driver visibility improved and passenger safety was enhanced with the addition of retractable seatbelts and crumple zones. The modern bodywork was tailored to the North American customer with tailfins that earned these models the nickname, the Fintail (Heckflosse). Originally intended to improve aerodynamic stability, the tail fin went away a few years later.

When the W111/W112 Coupe and Cabriolet were introduced in 1959, the fins lost their sharp appearance and chrome trim. The arrival of the W113 Pagoda in 1963 saw them retreat further into the trunk's contour, before completely disappearing on the W100 600 in September of that year.

Mercedes-Benz introduced its new S-Class range in 1965 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, outwardly distinguishable from preceding models by a sleeker bodyshell, increased glass area, and a lower roof and waistline. The initial model lineup of the W108 consisted of the 250 S, 250 SE, and 300 SE, as well as a sole W109, the 300 SEL. Engines were carried over from the previous generation, but enlarged and refined. The entry-level vehicle was the 250 S fitted with a 2496cc straight-six M108 engine, with two dual downdraft carburetors, delivering 130 bhp at 5400 rpm. Approximately 130,000 of the 250 S/SE models were built during the first two years of the W108/109's existence.

The saloon used a 'New Generation' bodyshell while the Coupe and Cabriolet continued to use coachwork that dated back to 1960 with the 220SEb. The 220 design was modern, elegant, and featured a wrap-around windscreen, an enlarged rear window, a wider radiator shell, and vertically positioned twin headlamps. These styling elements continue with the 250SE Coupe (W111) and Cabriolet (W112).

Befitting a top-of-the-line luxury model, standard amenities and accouterments included four-wheel disc brakes, power-assisted steering, an all-independent suspension, automatic transmission, air conditioning, electric windows and stereo radio.

Powering the 250SE was a fuel-injection version of Mercedes-Benz's new overhead-camshaft, seven-bearing 'six' (M129) displacing 2,496cc and producing 150 horsepower at 5,600 RPM. Buyers were given the choice of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission, but most cars were equipped with the automatic. The rear suspension featured Mercedes-Benz's hydro-pneumatic compensating spring. New 14-inch wheels resided at all four corners, along with new hub caps and beauty rings concealing larger disc brakes from the W108 family.

The interior housed thickly bolstered seats with horsehair-infused padding, tightly knit carpeting, and wood trim with chrome accents.

For 1966, 3,061 examples of the 250SE Coupe and Convertible were built. The total production of the 250SE, September 1965 through December of 1967 was 6,213 units.

In November 1967, the 250 SE was superseded by the 280 SE which came equipped with the new 2,778cc (M130) engine offering 160 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. Additional updates included a wood veneer interior option on the dashboard, different heater levers, and door lock buttons. The hubcaps were now a new one-piece wheel cover.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023