1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Cabriolet

One of the most stylish, not to mention luxurious, open-topped cars of the 1960s was the W111/112 range by Mercedes-Benz, sold with an occasionally bewildering array of specifications and badges. Originally launched in both coupe and cabriolet form at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show as the 220SE, the newest model to wear the three-pointed star set new standards of technical excellence and refinement. In March 1962, a visually similar model - the 300SE - was launched incorporating the M189 all-alloy six-cylinder engine boasting Bosch mechanical fuel injection and developing a very healthy 170bhp at 5400rpm. The chassis came with an effective new air suspension system along with power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels, plus a limited slip differential and these changes brought into effect the W112 designation to set them apart from the considerably cheaper 220/250 models, along with additional exterior chrome. Four-speed automatic transmission was standard, although a four-speed manual could be ordered and later cars could be had with a ZF five-speed unit. Inside, there was genuine wool carpet, leather upholstery and rich timber veneers to create the impression of a bespoke luxury express and justify the huge premium in price over the 220/250SE models. The 300SE was by far the rarest of the W111/W112 family, with only 3,127 coupes and cabriolet variants ever made.