Chassis No. 111.023.10.088616
Engine No. 129.980.10.024423

The iconic “W111” series of Mercedes-Benz Cabriolets was launched during the 1961 Frankfurt Auto Show. Initially, it was offered with a 2.2-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, which evolved into a 2.5-liter engine installed in the aptly named 250 SE. This increased displacement ensured more than sufficient levels of power were available for the ever-increasing amenities, with choices ranging from power steering to automatic transmissions, and even air conditioning. The 250 SE Cabriolet represented the newfound economic prosperity and optimism spreading throughout Europe as one of the most expensive offerings from Mercedes and Germany when new.

Finished in Anthracite Grey Metallic over a Blue leather interior, this 250 SE was beautifully restored to meet the current owner's exacting specifications. Not only does this Cabriolet benefit from the improved 2.5-liter engine, it also has the added appeal of a floor-shifted four-speed manual transmission from new. An invoice on file from 2024, marking the end of the restoration, shows that the car was at a Bosch service center near Frankfurt, Germany, for a major service that included overhauling the fuel injection pump, servicing the rear axle, ignition, and radiator, with the invoice totaling nearly €17.000. In total, the consignor reports that two years and nearly €150.000 were spent on this “no expense spared” restoration effort. Still fresh from its restoration, the car has covered less than 500 kilometers since it was completed. A fitting validation of this effort came with the TÜV inspection for historic motor cars which came without remarks and remains valid until November 2026. With just 954 250 SE Cabriolets produced, this rarely seen model is an elegant and truly timeless car ideally suited to be driven in effortless style.