1965 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SE

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE entered production in saloon, coupé and cabriolet form and was one of four models to share the new ‘Fintail’ body style first seen at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1959. It became the 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. Although similar in appearance to the contemporary 220, the 300 SE was mechanically more refined, featuring self-levelling air suspension, 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 300SE 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. 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! Only 5,202 had been sold when production ceased in 1965.

Finished in the original colour scheme of beige with a turquoise leather interior trim, this highly original automatic transmission 300SE was first registered in the UK on 18th February 1965 and had been well maintained and dry stored for some 28 years before the vendor bought the car in 2018. Under his ownership the car has undergone a significant, but sympathetic restoration to make it the best 300SE we have ever seen. New old stock wings were sourced and fitted along with having new sills and new spare wheel well fitted. New chrome was ordered, the car fully repainted in its factory colour and new old stock carpets fitted, new seat flutes fitted, the wood dash restored and a Becker radio sourced. As well as all this, the car benefitted from having a complete mechanical overhaul with the engine being refreshed, the fuel injection pump being rebuilt, a new radiator and a new sump pan fitted, the power steering pump was rebuilt, air suspension was fully serviced, the gearbox overhauled, as were the brakes and every other part of the car. Almost all of this work was carried out by renowned classic Mercedes-Benz specialist John Haynes at a cost of over £77,500 since 2019 with the vendor reporting the car to run and drive extremely well.

The history file comes complete with its V5C, previous MoT test certificates, original books in their original wallet, invoices, copy of its build sheet that also confirms its engine and gearbox are both original. With just over 56,000 miles on the odometer, this 300 SE represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a rare, top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon. Consigned by Will Penrose.