Lot 009: Mercedes-Benz 250CE Coupe

As an alternative to their famously solid but rather plain saloon models, Mercedes added a new coupe in 1968, the 250CE. Based on a shortened W114 saloon platform with a lower roofline, the new Coupe was styled by Paul Bracq, who also penned the fabulous Pagoda and 600 Mercs, and featured elegant, uncluttered lines with pillarless side windows. Powered by a 150bhp fuel-injected 2.5-litre straight-six, the car was good for a top speed of 115mph and was renowned for its excellent handling and ride. Most UK cars were well equipped, often with power steering, automatic transmission and electric windows. The 250CE sold well until 1972 when it was replaced by a more powerful 280CE model which remained in production until 1976.First registered in July 1971, this 250CE has had just four owners from new and has covered a warranted 95,000 miles. This is backed up by an unbroken run of old MOTs from 1974 to 2001 when it was taken to France by the current vendor who has owned it since 1996. MOTs and service records from its seven year stay in France are also with the car. Driven back to the UK in January this year and just freshly MOTd, it is said to to drive superbly and to be in very good condition throughout with a particularly fine interior with black MB Tex upholstery and optional Zebron wooden dash. It also benefits from an electric sliding steel sunroof, electric windows, power steering, automatic gearbox, tow bar with electrics and an electric aerial. Always garaged in the current ownership and said to have been kept garaged before that, it comes with a large history file from new and was converted to run on unleaded fuel in 1999. A spare set of rubber door and window seals are included in the sale, along with some other rubber trim items, a spare set of pressed alunimum number plates and a Haynes workshop manual. The car is still on its original UK registration number and has been inspected by the DVLA since being re-imported and will have a new V5C before the sale. Built in the days when Mercedes still had an unrivalled reputation for engineering excellence, this stylish coupe looks exceptional value for money at the guide price suggested today.