1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SE Lang

This particular 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Lang is a LHD example that was sold new in Sweden and was acquired by the current owner in 2018. A letter from Mercedes-Benz UK confirms the car was built in May 1964 and was dispatched to Sweden, where it is believed it lived most of its life. Since its arrival in the UK the 300 SE Lang has had just one owner, who added it to his collection of classic cars. He tells us he has always admired the styling of the W112 Fintail and felt it was a very underrated car, a model that has been over shadowed by the considerably more expensive Coupe and Cabriolet versions. It’s rare specification being a LHD SE Lang with rubber over matts and sill covers were standouts, but what really caught his eye was the fact that this Fintail appears to be largely original and unrestored.

The Fintail is finished in black which is believed to be the cars original colour. The paintwork presents well from a distance with a high level of shine but on closer inspection it has numerous imperfections. There is cracking visible on the tops of both front wings and there are numerous dings and minor scrapes. A long scratch is also visible on the boot and there are some small areas of light surface rust here and there but nothing of immediate concern.

Despite the imperfections there is something very appealing about this W112. It presents as a very honest car that wears its imperfections with pride and can easily be driven and enjoyed without being overly concerned about the paint. This originality is what attracted the current owner to the car and there can’t be many unrestored Fintail’s left today.

Of course one of the Fintail’s standout features is its exterior chrome, which is both classy and elegant. The Mercedes-Benz mascot sits proudly atop the front grill and both present in nice shape. There are some marks and dings in the brightwork and there is a small repair noted on the passenger side front wheel arch chrome. However all the brightwork is intact and the bumpers are solid with some surface rust showing on the underside.

The Mercedes-Benz hubcaps are present and intact and these are in nice shape.

The owner adds that when he acquired the car it had what was best described as “Thunderbirds” inspired wing mirrors fitted. These were considered a bit too bling for such an elegant car and were removed. Two large and rather unpleasant spot lamps were also removed from the front of the car.

The owner goes on to say that the outer sills have been replaced at some point in the past and that the front drivers footwell area will need some attention in the future.

The interior of the SE Lang is finished in light coloured corduroy cloth which is believed to be original. It presents in overall good condition with some marks and stains evident which are shown in the photos. The tops of the rear seats have suffered some sun damage but the rest of the trim is all there and is perfectly usable.

The classic white rimmed Mercedes steering wheel, which has to be one of the most beautiful ever designed, is in good shape with some cracking on the rim.

The window trim on the door frames is also present and intact with some wear to the surface finishing.

Of course the main appeal of this Fintail are the back seats which are very comfortable, with the legroom best described as being palatial.

Under the bonnet resides the 2996cc straight six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. It really was ahead of its time and set itself apart from other carburettor fuel management systems.

The current owner had the engine rebuilt in August 2019 and the invoice on file shows that custom liners were fitted, the block was refaced, the crank polished and work was done to the cylinder head. The invoice also states that the injectors were cleaned and tested and a crack in the exhaust manifold was welded.

Other maintenance items taken care of by the current owner were new seals in the gearbox, along with the fitting of new shock absorbers, air springs on all four corners and a new fuel tank. The owner adds that he has installed a secondary electric cooling fan, recently rebuilt the rear brake torque arms and installed new wheel bearings as well.

The owner informs us that the Fintail drives very well and is a comfortable and luxurious classic saloon.

As we mentioned earlier this 300SE Lang was sold new in Sweden after being built in West Germany May 1964. The history file comes with some old records from its time in Scandinavia.

There is also a nice selection of photos which are dated 24th May 2015, which are believed to be when the Fintail was taken out of storage in Sweden.

The history file also includes a larger number of invoices which documents the ongoing maintenance with the current owner, who has sourced the vast majority of spares from a marque specialist in Germany.

The Fintail has the V5C in the owners name and comes with one set of keys.

The Mercedes-Benz 300SE is an elegant saloon that offers an impressive specification, but without the price premium of the Coupe or Cabriolet models. And in “Lang” guise, the W112 Fintail is an incredibly versatile and practical classic. Inside there is plenty of room for four adults to travel in comfort and the boot is simply cavernous. Then upfront there is the acclaimed Mercedes straight six which combined with the four speed automatic gearbox, makes the 300 SE Lang a very capable and relaxing driver. We love the patina of this stylish Fintail and believe its character and practicality will make it a worthy addition to any collection.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Cranbrook, Kent. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.