This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the BRDC Classic 2026 - Collectors Cars on Saturday, July 25th, at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN.
One of just 78 factory-built, right-hand drive examples supplied new to the UK, this exceptional 1965 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet represents one of the finest expressions of Mercedes-Benz engineering and luxury from the 1960s. It is finished in elegant Mercedes-Benz Grey Metallic over a beautifully appointed Dark Red leather interior. The car is offered in outstanding condition following extensive restoration and meticulous recommissioning, with a recorded mileage of 42,890 miles.
Produced between 1962 and 1967, the W112 Cabriolet served as Mercedes-Benz's flagship model during the period between the legendary 300 'Adenauer' and the arrival of the 600. It combines timeless Paul Bracq styling with the sophisticated M189 fuel-injected straight-six engine derived from the 300SL, self-levelling air suspension, hydraulic power steering, and high build quality. The 300SE remains one of the marque's most desirable post-war grand tourers.
This particular example was manufactured in December 1964 and supplied new to the United Kingdom in January 1965. Little is known of its earliest history, but the documented story resumes when the car returned to the UK from the United States in September 2004.
Between March 2006 and May 2007, the Mercedes underwent a comprehensive, photographically documented restoration to factory specifications. The work included a bare-metal repaint in Mercedes-Benz Grey Metallic, a complete retrim of the interior in Dark Red leather, the fitment of a new matching hood, and the installation of a replacement factory-specification M189 engine and radiator. While no longer matching numbers, the replacement engine is of the correct type and specification, with supporting documentation confirming its installation during the restoration.
Further significant expenditure occurred in 2012, when extensive work was carried out on the exhaust, fuel, steering, braking, and electrical systems to restore the car to Mercedes-Benz factory standards. An MOT from that year records a mileage of 39,189 miles. The car then benefited from ongoing maintenance by respected Mercedes-Benz specialist Steve Redfearn, ensuring continued expert care.
In 2023-2024, the car was entrusted to The Classic Car Company for a comprehensive appraisal and full recommissioning. Their workshop, in consultation with Steve Redfearn, overhauled the air suspension system, and attended to the engine, braking system, steering, and other mechanical components. The underside was professionally dry-ice cleaned and re-protected, while all exterior chrome bumpers were re-plated. The paintwork received a meticulous machine polish and professional detailing, resulting in a deep, lustrous finish.
Most recently, the suspension master valve was professionally rebuilt by a specialist, and the underside resealed for continued protection. The car shows very little evidence of corrosion, thanks to careful restoration and ongoing maintenance.
Mechanically, the 300SE is equipped with its correct four-speed automatic transmission and hydraulic power steering. The steering system was replaced in 2016, and in 2024, correct low-pressure power steering hoses were installed during the recommissioning.
The car is offered with an extensive history file documenting its restoration and maintenance, along with its spare wheel, factory toolkit, jack, two fitted car covers (one indoor and one outdoor), and a box containing replaced original components.
