Model story

 

Mercedes-Benz 300SE

Model: Mercedes-Benz 300SE
Chassis type: W112
Production period: 1962.-1967.
Produced tot.: 708 units
Produced: 1964.
VIN: 11202322006110
Body:  5-seater cabriolet
Colour: silver
Engine: M189, R6, 12-valves, with fuel injection
Engine capacity: 2996 cm³
Power: 170 hp at 5400 rev.
Compression: 8,8/1
Valves: 2 OHC
Transmission: 4-gear automatic
Driven wheels: rear
Max. speed: 195 km/h
Dynamics: 0-100 km/h – 12,4 s
Average fuel consumption: 13,7 l/100 km
Fuel: gasoline
Dead weight: 1690 kg
Notes: First registration commenced in Malaisia.

Already from 1959 the Mercedes-Benz presented its new generation of fintail models - the first Mercedes-Benz production model, which body design has crumple zones to protect people in frontal collision. First came the 220/220S/200SE W111 sedans, these were joined in 1961 by the 220SE W111 coupe and cabriolet and the entry-level four cylinder W110 190 and 190D, but replacement for prestigious W189 Type 300 Adenauer limousine, was still missing. Finally in 1961 Mercedes-Benz decided to cover this gap and placed the big six-cylinder 3-litre engine from the W189 into a W111.

Mercedes-Benz took a large set of measures in terms of marketing to separate the W112 from the W111. These included separate brochures, the cars were presented in different showrooms. Externally the cars were decorated with almost double the chrome details that were available to the W111s, bigger 14" rims and features such as pneumatic suspension, power steering and automatic transmission as standard (though manual would return as an option). The car cost almost double the value of the top range 220SE W111. In 1963 Mercedes-Benz went on to create the long-wheelbase sedan. Performance-wise the 300SEs initially topped the range, with the M189 bix-six engine producing 160 hp and giving a top speed of 180 km/h.

W112 production volume fell drastically in 1963 as Mercedes-Benz premièred the true replacement for the Adenauer, in the form of new W100 600 limousine. In 1965 with the coming of the W108/109 series the sedan W112 went into history, with a total of 6.748 300SEs in standard and long wheelbase. The rarity of the car is magnified by the fact that in 1964 for every W112 sedan there was 40 W111s rolling-off the production line. In spite of short production run the 300SE sedan has its own place in Mercedes-Benz history - it was very successful in international and European Touring Car Championship and won several rallies. Exclusive LWB 300SE became another milestone in the company history, and long wheelbase models became standard in all future S-Class generations.

Arriving in 1962, a year later after the première of the 2-door W111s, the Coupe and cabriolet 2-door W112s succeeded better. W111 was offered as a single 220SE model and thus the 300SE served as it's the only stable mate. Hence a 5:1 production ratio was kept. The two-door W111/W112 production was continued after 1965 with the coming of the new generation W108/W109 sedans, until in 1967 Mercedes-Benz chose to finish producing the now-ancient M189 engine. Replacement appeared in the effigy of the 280SE which took its place on the production line, though the true successor as a flagship model came later -  the V8 powered 280SE 3.5 which arrived in 1969 and was built until 1971.

This a 5-seat cabriolet is produced for Malaysian market where it run until it was bought at auction in 2006 and transported to the European Union, UK. At the time of purchase the car was in sound technical condition, albeit it could start and go; many metal, wood and upholstery details were badly damaged and worn out.

 

to top