Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 112.023.12.009757
Engine No. 189.987.12.001474
The Mercedes-Benz "W112" series made its groundbreaking debut in
March 1962 at the 32nd Geneva International Motor Show with the
unveiling of the 300 SE in both Coupe and Cabriolet form. Crafted
under the visionary eye of designer Paul Bracq, the Cabriolet
emerged as more than an automobile-it was a technologically
advanced grand tourer that embraced a modern design philosophy,
boldly departing from the styling trends of the 1950s.
As the pinnacle of the S-Class range, the 300 SE Cabriolet quickly
found favor among discerning buyers worldwide. Its elevated status
within the Cabriolet range was underscored by a host of features
uncommon in most cars of its era, including air suspension as
standard. It also features an engine derived from the illustrious
300 SL, typically paired with an automatic transmission for added
convenience. Inside, the 300 SE was easily distinguished from its
siblings with lavish amounts of bright trim and rich Macassar wood
adorning the dashboard and fully surrounding the gauges.
Originally ordered new in the United States, this 300 SE Cabriolet
ranked among the most expensive models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup,
surpassed only by the engineering marvel that was the 600
limousine. Despite the high price and generous standard features,
this car boasts optional equipment including a rarely seen rear
axle with limited-slip differential, heat-insulating glass, and
dealer-installed K�hlmeister air conditioning. As equipped, the
total retail price would have been in excess of $13,000, or more
than twice the price of a comparable Cadillac De Ville
Convertible!
Believed to have been sold new in sunny California, this rare and
collectible 300 SE Cabriolet is thought to have been retained by a
single owner for over 42 years until 2015. The car was brought to
the East Coast when it was acquired by a Maryland-based collector
in 2019, later changing hands and joining the current owner's
collection in 2023. After a strong showing on the 2023 Washington,
D.C. edition of the British Reliability Run, the Cabriolet visited
Eclectic Motor Company of New Windsor, Maryland, for a thorough
sorting. Invoices on file and available for review document the
current owner's commitment to the car with maintenance from
Eclectic totaling nearly $25,000.
Today, this elegant 300 SE remains an outstanding example of
Mercedes-Benz's premier Cabriolet when new. Widely regarded as one
of the finest expressions of the unrepeatable Paul Bracq era of
Mercedes-Benz, the 300 SE Cabriolet is punctuated by high build
quality, supreme style, and total comfort for four that only a
1960s Mercedes-Benz can offer. Finished in its stunning original
shade of White Grey over a green leather interior with a matching
green convertible top, this rare and desirable Mercedes deftly
straddles the line between a collectible showstopper and an
effortlessly graceful tourer, offering its next caretaker a
sophisticated and rewarding experience in the decades to come.
