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1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coupe. First shown at Frankfurt in…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Nelson, New Zealand
Date:
14-Sep-2008
Lot No.
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Description:
1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coupe. First shown at Frankfurt in 1965, the new S-Class Mercedes-Benz range was outwardly distinguishable from preceding models by a sleeker bodyshell with lower roof and waistlines, and increased glass area. All models featured similar all-independent suspension, as well as four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted steering. However, although the saloon used this 'New Generation' bodyshell, the Coupe and Cabriolet kept the timelessly elegant coachwork that had debuted back in 1960 on the 220SEb. The latter had moved Mercedes-Benz's styling into the modern era; longer than their predecessors, these elegant cars featured a wider radiator shell, wrap-around windscreen, enlarged rear window and vertically positioned twin headlamps, all of which were carried over to the 250SE Coupe and Cabriolet. As befitted top-of-the-range luxury models, the duo came equipped with automatic transmission, air conditioning, electric windows and stereo radio as standard. The 250SE employed a fuel-injected version of Mercedes-Benz's new, overhead-camshaft, seven-bearing 'six' displacing 2,496cc and developing 150bhp at 5,600rpm. There was a choice of four-speed manual or automatic transmissions, while the rear suspension featured Mercedes-Benz's hydro-pneumatic compensating spring. Thus equipped, the 250SE was good for 120mph, with 60mph reachable in 12 seconds, a substantial improvement on the superseded 220SE's figures. When the 280SE 3.5 ceased production in 1971, its passing marked the end of this long-established body style. Today all examples of these classic Coupes and Cabriolets are highly sought after. A seven-year restoration project that consumed many thousands of dollars, this wonderful 250SE Coupe rewarded its owner with the Meguiar's/New Zealand Classic Car Magazine's 'Classic Car of the Year' award in 2004. That prestigious accolade was well deserved, for this car has been restored to 'better than new' condition using new parts - 90% procured from Germany - with exacting attention to detail to ensure a factory-correct finish in every area. A full list of the many specialist firms and individuals that contributed to the project is available for inspection. This automatic transmission 250SE was imported into New Zealand in 1967 and registered 'DD5567'. It was sold in August 1969 to Bert ten Broeke, of Wellington and purchased from him by the vendor in 1993. The car was put onto the restoration register in March 1996. The 250SE's production life was relatively short (September 1965 to December 1967) and only 235 right-hand drive models were built. This superbly presented and highly desirable example is one of only a very few surviving today.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified