Lot 230 - 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet
| Lot Number | 230 |
| Registration | BOY 23H |
| Chassis Number | 11202320006613 |
| Engine Number | 18998720000155 |
| Odometer reading | 28,948 miles |
| Result | Sold - £60,480 |
- Original righthand drive car
- One of only 78 righthand drive cars produced
- 3.0 litre aluminium engine as used in the famous 300 SL Gullwing
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new flagship two-door, four seater W112 models at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show. Closely related to the W111 SEb variants and sharing similar Paul Bracq design traits, the elegant W112 coupé and cabriolet were differentiated by exclusive interior and exterior appointments and featured a higher standard specification. The most expensive Mercedes-Benz models of their time, these 300 SE Cabriolets had a list price that was twice that of Jaguar’s E-Type.
This extremely rare and handsome 300 SE convertible is one of the very desirable flagship models, it was discontinued in late 1967 and thus only 78 righthand drive cars were thought to have been produced. The 300 SE employed a fuel injected version of Mercedes-Benz 2,996cc and 170bhp engine and sharing the engine with the beautiful 300 SL Gullwing. Featuring a hydro-pneumatic, self-levelling system, the 300 SE was good for 120mph. With the, rarer still, manual gearbox found only on earlier cars and power steering, this car drives effortlessly and it can easily be argued that the Mercedes 300 SE was a car before its time.
An original UK registered vehicle, this rare manual 300 SE was purchased by the current owners father in Dublin in June 2003, it formed part of a private car collection in Clonakilty, Ireland at the Lisselan Castle Estate. Although the collection mainly consisted of Ford vehicles (because the Ford family homestead was located on the estate before emigration to the US), the Mercedes-Benz was a cherished centrepiece as the purchaser was Director for Sales at Mercedes-Benz (Great Britain) Ltd in the early 1960s.
Finished in the stylish colour combination of claret over black hide and complemented with a black Mohair softtop, the car is equally as impressive with the roof up as with it down. The interior is complete and in good order and the body and paintwork, although respectable, perhaps in need of some attention. The brightwork is in good order and, upon asking, the engine fires into life with little drama as a 300 SE should. Recent invoices show attention to the brakes with the front calipers overhauled in November 2018 and a recent MoT test certificate followed by a service with marque specialists SS Motors in May of this year, this is coupled to a new battery and five new tyres. Today, classic Mercedes-Benz Cabriolets are highly sought-after and the top of the range example offered here, a rare righthand drive manual example seldom seen offered, is a treat for classic Mercedes-Benz collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.