Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz was undergoing a dramatic transformation in the late
1950s. With their post-war recovery efforts essentially complete,
they began to streamline their product line through platform
sharing; taking advantage of the economies of scale they enjoyed as
one of the world's largest automakers. The passenger car line was
led by the ageing 300 "Adenauer" series; large, body-on-frame
limousines, coupes and cabriolets that were expensive and time
consuming to manufacture. With the 600 "Grosser" still a few years
away, a new and modern flagship was needed. Utilizing the existing
W111 platform, Mercedes stuffed the Adenauer's (also shared with
the 300 S and SC) M189 3.0 liter, all-alloy inline-six under the
bonnet, added luxurious trimmings and updated the chassis with a
sophisticated air-ride suspension system. The changes were enough
to necessitate a new internal designation: W112. The W112 300 SE
debuted in 1961, available only as the four-door "Heckflosse"
(fin-tail) saloon. In 1962, it was joined by the restyled 2-door
coupe and cabriolet. The 2-door cars were very modern and elegant,
eschewing the sharp fins of the saloon for a more subtly rounded
treatment on the rear quarters. The revised styling was the work of
the great master Paul Bracq, who had become head of Sindelfingen,
Mercedes' spiritual design center, in 1959. Bracq's freshened
design was so well-received that it inspired both the W111 saloon's
replacement (W108), and carried over when the W112 was replaced by
the conventionally sprung W111 2-door. Despite its shared-platform
roots, the W112 was still a very prestigious and expensive car.
When the 2-door coupe was first shown on the 1961 auto show
circuit, the list price was twice that of another new grand touring
car that debuted the same year: Jaguar's E-Type. 300 SE Coupes and
Cabriolets were intended for the most discerning of buyer; those
who valued luxury, understated style and exceptional quality. Due
to their high cost and hand-assembled construction, very few found
buyers, with just 3,127 combined coupes and cabriolets sold through
the end of 1967. This handsome 1967 300 SE Cabriolet is a very
desirable example from the final year of W112 production. Presented
in the very attractive color combination of Weissgrau (White-Gray,
code 158) over a fresh dark green leather interior and a dark green
top, it is one of just 708 W112 Cabriolets produced from 1962-1967.
The subtle light gray paintwork suits the elegant Paul
Bracq-designed body and it is correctly adorned with chrome wheel
arch and body side moldings that distinguish the 300 SE from its
lower-spec brethren. The body is straight, with factory-precise
fitment of the doors and deck lids. A recent bare-metal respray in
the correct original color (per the trim tag) presents in excellent
condition, with deep gloss and straight reflections. Doors shut
with the satisfying solidity of a 60's era Mercedes-Benz, and the
fitment of the trim is very good. Bumpers are straight, with nice
quality plating, while the remaining bright trim is tidy and smart,
with some restoration work being done as needed at the time of the
respray. The original steel wheels have been repainted in body
color, adorned with color-keyed two-piece wheel covers as correct.
This is a handsome and understated automobile; a refined,
sophisticated interpretation of Mid-Century Modern design. A
highlight of this car has to be the wonderful, freshly-restored
green leather interior which stands out brilliantly against the
light gray paintwork. Taut, fresh upholstery on the front and rear
seats is done in the period correct pattern and colors. Interior
panels have also been carefully restored and the floors are
correctly lined in green-gray square weave carpeting, bound in
matching green leather. It is a wonderful yet seldom seen
combination that suits the car brilliantly. In addition to the new
upholstery, the typically fragile woodwork has been fully restored
by the experts at Madera Concepts with stunning results. Fitted
with original instrumentation, the original VDO clock, a period
correct Becker Europa stereo and a factory Kuhlmeister air
conditioning unit; the dash presents beautifully, particularly with
its renewed woodwork. Literally topping off the fabulous new
interior is a lovely, fully lined convertible top in dark green
German canvas which has been expertly fitted and remains taut and
free of creases. A top boot in matching green leather is included
to keep a sleek look when the roof is folded. The trunk is
correctly detailed with a factory original gray rubber mat, and a
set of original tools is included in the factory-supplied tool
roll. Mechanically, this 300 SE is in excellent order. Showing
approximately 60,000 miles, it sits proud on the original air
suspension, with a tidy, well-presented undercarriage and engine
bay. As a later production W112, this car's fuel injected, 3.0
liter, M189 inline six-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower (ten
more than the earlier cars) and sends its power through a
column-shifted Mercedes-Benz four-speed automatic transmission. The
engine is very well detailed and tidy, showing recent service. It
runs well, delivering strong performance and exquisite ride quality
thanks to that sophisticated pneumatic ride control. A true
flagship Mercedes-Benz, the W112 300 SE was a beautifully
engineered and meticulously hand-built luxury grand touring car
that was designed to appeal to only the most discriminating buyers.
The rarity and exceptional quality of this fine car makes it highly
sought after by today's collectors, while the advanced engineering
and exquisite build quality makes it an exceptional driver's car,
ideally suited for tours and rallies the world over. Much has been
spent on this highly desirable 300 SE to ensure it is a beautiful
and thoroughly usable example that can keep up to the demands of
its next owner.
