Lot 363: 1966 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet

When Mercedes-Benz replaced the popular Wlll 220 series in 1966, the first S Class range was born. Much of the mechanical specification remained as before, but a new, sleeker body shell with lower roof and waist lines and a larger glass area was much more modern in design than the dated, finned wing appearance of its predecessor; supplementing the saloons there were, as always, both coupé and cabriolet derivatives. All of these W108 models, however, shared similar all independent suspension via wishbones/coil springs at the front together with a coil sprung swing axle at the rear; all round disc brakes and power assisted steering were also standard equipment. Power was provided by a choice of three overhead camshaft, six cylinder engines; for the 250S, the 2,496cc motor produced 130bhp via twin carburettors with the 250SE benefiting from Bosch fuel injection and an increase in output to 150bhp, while in the 300SE capacity was raised to 2,996cc and power to 200bhp. Transmission was invariably an automatic four-speed unit. All provided respectable performance with the 250SE, for example, capable of 118mph and 0-60mph in around 11 seconds. As with all Mercedes-Benz models build quality was to a very high standard, and the W108 ranged proved immensely popular until superceded in early 1970s. First registered in Britain on New Year's Eve 1966, this fine 300 SE Cabriolet spent many years in America before returning to England in November 2004. Apart from benefiting from air suspension and air-conditioning, it also features the Sportline chassis option comprising a quicker steering rack, wider tyres and slightly stiffer suspension than standard, providing the car with tauter roadholding and handling than the standard specification. Finished in white with complementary beige interior trim, and having recently had some £9,500 expended on it, including £3,213 for a new hood, hood lining, padding, refurbished hood frame, newly fabricated cant rails and re-trimmed stowage compartment, it comes with a history file containing receipts for work carried out in America between 1985 and '98, invoices from 2004, and the original owner's manual and parts catalogue. Complete with V5 registration document and a MoT test certificate valid until June next year, and just 85,000 miles recorded, this very desirable, well maintained and rare Mercedes-Benz is offered in excellent condition throughout.