A big technological move for Mercedes-Benz was their first production model that was designed with crumple zones to protect passengers in the event of an accident. The chassis that received this new design was the W111 chassis, which was introduced in 1959. When the W112 chassis was added to the lineup it was the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz luxury and technology. It was powered by a 300SL derived and very special 3.0-liter M189 six-cylinder engine. The 300SE also featured two-position air suspension. A column-shift automatic transmission was standard on these models.

The well-respected and desired M189, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine was originally rated at 160 horsepower with an 8.7:1 compression ratio. In January of 1964, the compression ratio was increased to 8.8:1 and gave the engine 170 horsepower.

This Mercedes was built during the era when only 13 cars rolled off the production line a week because they were built by hand. Immediately after rolling off the assembly line they were deemed a classic and have maintained the same status today. It is believed that out of the 3,127 convertibles and coupes, built on this platform, only 708 were built as convertibles. An estimated 50 cars were built in right-hand-drive configuration; and fewer yet also had all the aforementioned qualities and a four-speed manual transmission and factory air conditioning. Making this car extremely rare.

The data card that is included with the Mercedes states the order for this car was placed in 1964 and it was delivered on December 11, 1964. The location from which the order came from was Sierra Leone, Africa. The data card states the original colors as Black paint over a Red leather interior with Medium Red carpet and a folding dark grey fabric top. The interior was optioned with bucket seats for both left and right (driver and passenger). The data card also confirms that this car was originally equipped with the aforementioned floor-shift, four-speed manual transmission and air conditioning. Other factory options include Becker radio Grand Prix, automatic radio antenna and a fan clutch.

The correctly restored Mercedes 300SE on offer is incredibly well-documented with many documents of its past ownership history. One of the noted past owners is the late Alan Clarke. Alan Clarke served as a Conservative Member of the British Parliament. Alan Clarke owned the car for 15 years and is said to have rarely driven it. After Alan’s years of ownership it was imported and sold to a wealthy business man in the United States.

There are many things that make this car extremely collectable and desirable. It starts with the power and grace that is definite and noticeable when in the presence of the car. The ascetics from the wide and prominent grille, to the elegantly leather trimmed interior and hardwood veneer adorning the dash. The desirability continues to the well-documented past and the extreme rarity that is exemplified by the color combination, right-hand-drive configuration, four-speed manual transmission and air conditioning.

A collector would be hard pressed to find another 300SE that is better restored, documented and rare. This is quite possibly the best example that is available.