1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Cabriolet

This is a handmade, hand-assembled, highly sought-after, and beautifully original vehicle, donning its original Mercedes metallic gold colour and black leather interior. It’s one of only twenty-six of these cars manufactured by Mercedes as a right-hand drive. Yes, one of twenty-six! It’s been in the vendor’s family for 42 years, but now it’s time to find a new home. The interior, including the seats and covers, is pretty much absolutely original, as evidenced by the odd minor tear. The vendor explains: “It’s absolutely complete; it’s in remarkably good order for its age, and it drives fantastically well. It starts first time, every time. It’s still got the original hood”. It also comes with a spare bumper in the boot, though the chrome finish looks slightly different so was never fitted. He goes on to say: “It just wafts along around country lanes, it’s a super comfortable cruiser”.

The vendor’s family bought this car in September 1980 from a friend of the family who had sadly passed away and it’s been in the family ever since. When they purchased the car, it wasn’t running particularly smoothly due to an issue with the mechanical fuel injector pump. As such, they had this overhauled by a Bosch specialist and, over time, the car has benefited from replacement cam belts and hoses. The previous owner had scuffed the front wings, so thirty-five years ago, it had the two front wings replaced with genuine Mercedes panels and was resprayed. It also had some welding work done to the sills to make it sound, but otherwise the bodywork is absolutely original. The vendor has also changed the brake callipers, pipes, certain fuel lines, and suspension due to standard wear that accrues over 88000 miles of road coverage. It should be noted that the hydro-pneumatic compensating spring has been replaced by a standard spring arrangement on the recommendation of a Mercedes mechanic; the vendor reports that this has worked perfectly since fitted and has made no discernible difference to the ride quality. The car comes with a high spec, including power steering and disc brakes, but this one is exceptionally rare due to its right-hand drive.

Given the beauty of this motor and the sentimentality that comes from owning a car like this for 42 years, the vendor is understandably reluctant to part with it. Originally it was the vendor’s daily driver. He explains: “Every time you drive it, it makes you smile. You’d be amazed how many times people smile at you when you come along with the roof down. A chap actually flagged me down recently because he loved the car so much and wanted to chat about it. Originally when I was going out with my girlfriend, now my wife, we’d go out for the day with the roof down. I often wonder if she only married me because of this car! But now, I’m just not using it very much. In recent years I have been working away from home a lot. So whilst I’m struggling to part with it, it just seems the right thing to do. It’s been quite a big decision to sell it, but it’s time for someone else to use it and get pleasure from it”.

The front of the car features a classic Mercedes-Benz grille flanked by chrome-finished dual headlamps. The long and sleek body is characterised by gentle curves and flowing lines, giving it a graceful appearance. The car's proportions are well-balanced, with a soft top that extends elegantly towards the front, and a short overhang at the rear. The black convertible top folds neatly behind the rear seats, allowing for open-air driving. The side profile of the car is accentuated by chrome trim, including chrome window frames and door handles. At the rear, the 250SE Cabriolet features distinctive taillights, complemented by the chrome bumper and the dual exhaust pipes. The car sits on stylish and classic Mercedes gold and chrome wheels that capture the essence of a bygone era and continues to turn heads with its timeless design. The panel gaps, shut lines and chrome work look tidy throughout, with no obvious dings or blemishes.

The interior is highly original and presents very well overall. The front seats have a fairly heavy patina, or mild tear in the odd place, though they still hold their shape well and they are supremely comfortable, as expected from a high-end Mercedes such as this. The wooden trim is in very good condition, complementing the chrome accents and detailing on the speedometer, clock and air vents beautifully. Up top, the headliner is in very good shape and has no areas of sagging, though there are a few stains which should be easily removed with a thorough valet or steam clean.

Underneath the expansive bonnet sits the 2.5-litre M129 engine which looks to be in sound condition. Below the body, the chassis looks to be solid and in good condition, with attention being drawn to some red-oxide that was applied underneath the front bumper and offside rear wheel. That’s because some minor welding was done to the car about 4 or 5 years ago. It’s all sound and although the vendor was tempted to apply a coat of bodyseal to the welded areas, he was conscious that he did not want to appear as if he was concealing anything. Otherwise, the car looks to be rust free.

The UK Registration Certificate verifies that this car was first registered in June 1966. The logbook shows it’s had five owners, but that’s purely for administrative purposes as three of those owners were the vendor, his brother and his father at various points. The car comes with some history, including invoices for the replacement front wings and overhauled fuel injection pump. It comes with its original owner’s manual, two sets of car keys and the original instruction manual, which is a nice touch.

Even today, this gargantuan German beauty commands incredible road presence wherever it goes. This car has clearly been loved as one of the family and it is presented in fantastically original condition. It’s beautiful as it is but there is the opportunity to do some purely cosmetic work to the interior. Nonetheless this 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Cabriolet benefits from a timeless body style, meaning no matter where you take it, it will always be the coolest car at any event. We think a prospective buyer will have to part with somewhere between £60,000 and £80,000 to take this car home.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|CarsOnline HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.