West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this extremely rare and unrestored all original survivor, apart from one repaint in its original factory 'Silver Gray Metallic' (MB code 180) color paint, of an original southern California owner W111-023 1968 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE 2.5L fuel injection Cabriolet with it's original engine with an unbelievably low actual 53K original miles, its original tools and spare wheel, rare factory air conditioning and its original owner's Protecto-Plate, service booklet stamped at the dealership until 27K miles in 1980 and with its original warranty certificate from 'Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood, California' dated 1-25-1968 and original owner's California registration certificate!
The W111 series was a chassis code given to Mercedes-Benz top of the range vehicles produced from 1959-71. The W111-023 250 series, with the 250 SE Cabriolet's being Mercedes-Benz' most prestigious car of the series, were built between 9/1965-12/1967 with the new 2,496 cm M129 engine producing 150 bhp and with a top speed of 120mph. Inside, the car received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and air conditioning was a factory option. Only 954 Cabriolet's were built in these years of production as opposed to 5,259 coupes and therefore many of the coupes have been unceremoniously chopped into bogus convertibles over the years. This is one of the original 954 factory convertibles built and apart from one repaint in its original color, it is in completely original condition throughout and boasts its original California 'Black Plates'.
The combination of superb performance and elegant styling makes the 250 SE Cabriolet a very highly collectible and desirable car amongst classic car collectors and this is obviously especially true for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. This was an extraordinarily low production car for its day with only 954 units produced during its only two years of production (9/65-12/67).
The original factory 'Silver Gray Metallic' color older repaint in good condition and quite presentable as a daily driver but please note that it does have some very minor imperfections and is starting to show its age somewhat (see photos below) and both the front and rear chrome bumpers do have some minor parking lot dents and dings (see photos below). The original black leather interior is in quite remarkable condition for an all original example. The wood veneer, leather seats, carpets, gauges, knobs and dials are all in a virtual time warp, having always been garaged, there is no signs of any damage from the elements. The original factory radio, power windows, power steering and original factory air conditioning are all working and with a little TLC this very honest and unrestored and always garaged and completely rust and accident free example would prove the perfect candidate for the enthusiast to restore and prove a worthy classic addition to any collection.
We only recently purchased the car from the original owner who had kept the car garage covered in Pasadena, California and where the car had always been dealer and Mercedes specialist serviced through the years. Originally serviced at the selling dealership of 'Mercedes Benz of Hollywood, California' and later at 'Lloyd Pearson Mercedes Benz of Pasadena, California' and 'H.G. Franz Mercedes Benz' of Pasadena, California and 'German Precision Auto Works' of Pasadena, California. In recent years the car was serviced at 'European Car Specialist, Inc' Mercedes specialists of Pasadena California with records and most recent service there at 53,342 miles. The car was recently serviced at 53,535 miles on 2/10/2011 at 'Pacific Motors', Mercedes specialists of Santa Monica, California where the car had a full service with new spark plugs, oil filter and replaced engine oil, replaced valve cover gasket, replaced the fuel hoses, replaced the steering damper, replacing all drive belts, brake fluid flush, coolant system flush, etc and from looking at these recent service records and the original stamped dealer service booklet, you can see that at no time was any expense spared on this particular vehicle's preventive maintenance!
Carrying a whopping MSRP of over $10K over forty years ago, it should come as no surprise that this placed the 250SE Cabriolet squarely placed in Rolls Royce territory with only those who could afford the best who were fortunate if they could even obtain a Cabriolet from their local Mercedes Benz dealer, such was the exclusivity and demand of this amazing motorcar. Generously applied chrome fittings, combined with the finest natural materials available, provide an unmatched ambiance of luxury and wealth in its lavishly appointed interior, where fine ROSER leather, exquisite burl wood and chrome plated fittings abound, the standard of craftsmanship apparent everywhere on this car is nothing short of astonishing on these hand-built Mercedes luxury cars. This particular car still boasts it's completely original interior including original radio, original steering wheel, original leather and wood and original factory air conditioning, with only the soft top having been replaced with original German canvas material and still boasting its original headliner and with only 53K original miles, it must drive virtually as well as the day it left the showroom floor over forty years ago!
This car must be seen to be believed and driven to be fully appreciated - the engine is extremely strong and responsive with excellent oil pressure and no noticeable oil leaks and which sounds absolutely magnificent. The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears and the engine temperature always remains cool.
In summary, this must be one of the finest, to say nothing of one of the rarest example's left available of an all original and unmolested last year 1968 Mercedes Benz 250 SE Cabriolet with no history of any rust and no accidents; a prime candidate for an easy concourse restoration for the Mercedes enthusiast or simply a fine turn key ready daily driver to enjoy today!
VIN: W11102312089176 SOLD
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