1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Sedan


Details

Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europe’s car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!

Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.

In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 Series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six-cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers.

In the 1950’s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time – the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive.

Mercedes-Benz wanted to build full sized luxury cars that were ‘more affordable’ than the Type W186 and Type W189 300 series cars, and the Ponton range of cars (Type W120/W121/W105/W180/W128) filled that void nicely. In 1959 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W111 as a successor to the very successful Ponton. The Type W111 was built as a sedan, coupe and convertible with many different engine configurations. The sedans were sold in big numbers all over the world, however, as has been the tradition with Mercedes-Benz, the 2 door and convertible cars were built in far smaller numbers and carried a significant price premium.  The majority of the Type W111 models were powered by a 6-cylinder engine of varying capacity, ranging from 2195cc (220 series) through to 2778cc (280 series).

In 1965 Mercedes-Benz introduced the successor to the Type W111, the Type W108. Unlike the Type W111 model range, the Type W108 (and the long wheel base Type W109), were only available as a 4 door saloon. Similar to its predecessor, the Type W108 was available with a large variety of engines, ranging from the 2.5 litre in the base 250 S model to the 6.3 litre engine in the top of the range 300 SEL 6.3. The Type W108/W109 stayed in production through until 1972 and in total 364,699 cars were produced.

One of the more desirable models from the Type W108 range was the 250 SE, which was powered by a fuel injected version of the 2497cc M129 I6 engine. 55,181 examples were built from August 1965 through until January 1968.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE sedan.

The service book confirms this car was delivered new on the 19th of September 1966. As confirmed by the data card on file, this car was delivered in a two-tone colour scheme of white (colour code 050) with a black roof & hub caps (colour code 040) and a kaviar (black) interior (trim code 115). The two tone colour scheme is quite rare for a saloon car and we have to say it looks fabulous!

The first owner collected his new car from the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart and immediately took it on a trip through Europe before returning to the UK. The car was first registered in Germany with the registration number 326-Z-8449. (326 is the area code for Stuttgart). It is understood the first owner was a doctor who regularly travelled through Europe and the entries in the service book confirm this. The first 500 mile service was completed by Mercedes-Benz in Wasserburg am Inn, a small town in upper Baveria, Germany which is about halfway between Munich and Salzburg (Austria). Its second service (at 4,600 miles) was completed in Athens, Greece, its third service (at 6,600 miles) was completed in Whitton in the UK and its fourth service (at 20,383 miles) was completed in Salzburg, Austria.

It is understood the first owner then imported the car into Australia in 1968. He settled down in the Hunter Valley in NSW and initially had the car serviced by Gunnedah McDonagh Pty Ltd and later by Dough Norton and Sons Ltd in Hamilton.

The car changed hands in the early 1980’s and its next owner was a passionate Mercedes-Benz enthusiast. At that time the car had travelled approximately 130,000 miles. He also lived in the Hunter Valley and really cherished his car. In the early 1990’s the car was repainted in its original two-tone colour scheme. After almost 40 years of continuous ownership ill health forced the sale of the car.

The current owner acquired the car in late 2020, joining a significant private collection. Unfortunately, a lack of storage space has resulted in him making the difficult decision to sell the car.

Today this car presents and drives exceptionally well. Any well cared for ‘60’s Benz has a presence and this particular example finished in its unique two-tone paint colour has a real presence! Even though the car wears an older repaint, the paint work is still in excellent condition. There is the odd stone chip and minor blemish here and there, but overall there are no serious defects. All the glass is in good condition as is the chrome and all of the external trim. The panel gaps on this car are excellent, confirmed by the gentle ‘thud’ when you gently close any of the 4 doors. It’s just what you would expect from a very well cared for classic Mercedes-Benz.

You open the door and the well presented interior takes you straight back to the 1960’s. The upholstery is in very good condition with no rips, tears or splits, the dashboard is in excellent condition with no cracks and the timber is very well presented. The instruments are all in good condition and in working order. The steering wheel presents you with just the right amount of patina to make you realise you’re not getting behind the wheel of a new car. The air conditioning blows ice cold which makes this Benz a more usable classic in a hot Aussie summer. The springs are just starting to sag in the driver’s seat and whilst not a major issue, it is something we would address.

The car presents really well, but how does it drive? We suspected well as its current owner drove the car just over 100 km to drop it off at our showroom and he reported it performed faultlessly. Now it’s our turn to go for a drive. Turn the ignition on, let the fuel system prime and then turn the key to start the engine. The engine starts easily and it immediately settles into a smooth idle. You let the car warm up for a minute or two and then select drive from the column shift gear selector. Off you go . . . first impressions are that the car is incredibly smooth and firm on the road. The gear changes are effortless and the car just goes about its business in a typical Germanic, businesslike way. The engine feels strong with plenty of power on tap and when required a firm push on the accelerator pedal moves the car along with purpose.

The engine bay is clean, neat and tidy and its presentation is consistent with the overall condition of the car. All of its tags are in place and the data card confirms the car retains its original ‘matching numbers’ engine. The boot is also clean and an inspection on the hoist confirms the car is solid and rust free underneath.

Accompanying the car is its book set, a factory data card, some recent receipts, a spare wheel and jack.

Today the odometer reads 46,568 miles.

Highlights:

  • a lovely 250 SE Sedan finished in a unique and stunning factory original two-tone colour scheme.
  • long term second owner of almost 40 years.
  • very well presented and cared for example.
  • just a lovely car to drive.
  • books and a factory data card.

 

 

 


Specification

  • Mercedes-Benz 250SE Sedan
  • 1966
  • Sedan
  • Auto
  • 46,568 miles
  • 2496cc

SOLD

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