"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 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."