1971 Mercedes-Benz 250CE Coupe

Introduced in 1969 and based on the W114 sedan, the 250CE was an elegant two-door pillarless coupe with a roofline treatment reminiscent of the Pagoda SL, using twin chrome stripes running the length of the roof. Mechanically, the 250 actually used the 2788cc in-line six with either carburettors or, as here in CE guise, Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection. With a four-speed manual gearbox standard, Mercedes-Benz offered a four-speed fluid-coupled automatic transmission as an option and the sophisticated technical specification continued through to the fully independent suspension with semi-trailing rear end, plus disc brakes all round. The seats were mounted lower in the coupe due to the reduced roofline and the boot boasted even greater capacity than the sedan on which it was based. Safety was paramount with Mercedes-Benz and the 250CE came with anti-burst door locks, adjustable head restraints on the front seats and an interlocking mechanism that held the seats in position once the doors closed. The new model found favour and Road & Track said "A smooth, handsome coupe with excellent handling and brakes". Production of the 250CE ceased in 1976, by which time 11,800 had been made, and these cars are now coming into their own as more affordable alternatives to the sixties 250/280SE range.