With promise of a return to warm weather in September, we look forward to to the Beaulieu International Autojumble and especially Bonhams Auction, where we find our Classic of the Day.
It's some Germanic charm that tempts us today and if the promised sunny weather returns a may tempt quite a few bids.
1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 250SE CABRIOLET
Chassis no. 111.023-10-085213 Engine no. 1290-1002005072
- 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 Coupé 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 Coupé 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 Thus equipped, the 250SE was good for 120mph, with 60mph reachable in 12 seconds, a substantial improvement on the superseded 220SE's figures.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 Coupés and Cabriolets are highly sought after.
This left-hand drive 250SE has the four-speed manual gearbox preferred by enthusiast owners because of their lower intermediate ratios, which make for crisper acceleration and a more exciting drive. Restored over the last five years and currently registered in Cyprus, the car comes with sundry bills for maintenance and servicing by a Mercedes-Benz specialist in Limasol for the period 2011 to 2014. Components replaced during this period include the rear springs, power steering seals, ignition coil, fuel pump, cylinder head gasket, exhaust valve seals, radiator and the brake master cylinder in addition to routine service parts: filters, spark plugs, ignition points, etc. In addition, we are advised that the car has been repainted and under-sealed; the convertible hood renewed; the interior re-trimmed with Mercedes-Benz leather to original specification; and numerous other miscellaneous repairs carried out, though there are no bills available for these works. The provision of air conditioning (removable if required) and a new radio/CD player (original available) are the only notified deviations from factory specification. It should be noted that 100,000 kilometres should be added to the current odometer reading of approximately 9,000 kilometres to arrive at the correct total. Finished in Canary White with turquoise leather interior, this recently restored 250SE is described as in generally very good condition and offered with Cypriot registration papers, Cypriot roadworthiness certificate (expires May 2015) and the aforementioned bills.
Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
6 Sep 2014 14:00 BST
SOURCE; BONHAMS AUCTIONS 28-08-14
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