Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet (W 112) 1963 for sale

The Mercedes Benz 300 SE Cabriolet presented here was completed according to the factory data sheet on July 19, 1963. It was initially imported to the United States, where it remained until 1990 after several ownership changes, before being re-imported to Germany. The Cabriolet still has (or again) its original and timeless livery with white exterior paint (color code DB 050) and black leather interior and hood. In Germany, the new owner subjected the car to a very comprehensive and meticulously documented restoration. During this process, the car was practically rebuilt from the body to the roof. Numerous invoices attest to the complex work on bodywork, mechanics, interiors, upholstery, painting, and chrome, carried out to the highest standards. Practically no component remained unchanged or was not refurbished. The engine was also completely and thoroughly overhauled in every part. The total cost of the restoration is around 170,000 - 200,000 DM. Numerous photos testify to the meticulousness and craftsmanship applied. The car was therefore in the same condition, if not better, than when it left the assembly line in 1963. The 300 SE Cabriolet subsequently had several owners in Germany (all names are known), always maintaining an excellent state of preservation. The result of the high-quality restoration is still visible today: thanks to the few kilometers driven and the care of the owners, the engine compartment, underbody, interior, and of course the bodywork show an excellent exterior appearance. Even while driving, the 300 SE stands out for its high performance. The engine responds well, the automatic transmission shifts smoothly, the steering is direct, and even on rougher roads (e.g., cobblestones) there are no creaking noises. In 2021, the car was sold by EBERHARD THIESEN to an established collector in Germany. We are now tasked with transferring the vehicle to the next connoisseur who will enjoy this extraordinary 300 SE Cabriolet. Today, the cost of a comparable restoration probably exceeds our asking price. It is 195,000 EUR. ◀ Mercedes had already made a significant advance in 1959 with the new "Heckflosse" W 111. In addition to a representative appearance and better workmanship, the new luxury sedan also debuted the patented crumple zone by Béla Barényi, which, along with a padded dashboard and new door locks that did not easily open in the event of an accident, offered a market-leading safety standard. In 1961, a further step was taken by presenting the 300 SE (separate series W 112) as the new flagship model in sedan version. This was powered by a 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mechanical fuel injection, delivering 160 hp. Among its elaborate technical features was a newly designed four-speed automatic transmission and disc brakes on all four wheels for adequate deceleration. A novelty was also the air suspension, installed for the first time by Mercedes, which allowed for a comfortable and level ride regardless of the load. Even during braking, the rear no longer lifted thanks to the new suspension. Power steering and the standard limited-slip differential perfected the driving characteristics of the flagship model. Aesthetically, it was recognizable by the expanded chrome with wheel arch covers and a central decorative strip running from front to back. A year after the launch of the 300 SE sedan, the coupe versions debuted and...