1964 Mercedes 300SE Coupé Auto W112

In March 1962, Mercedes-Benz released their new 300SE Coupé. For marketing reasons, this car, like its saloon stablemate, was kept apart from the W111 220SE that had been launched in 1960 and was attributed its own model number-W112-which positioned it as a successor to the W187, 300S two-door series, rather than the Ponton range. The car was distinguished by the Daimler-Benz top of the range 2996cc, M189 engine, a chrome strip, air suspension and a much higher level of cabin appointments. These vehicles were marketed separately from the rest of the W111 family as Mercedes presumably felt that they were more likely to appeal to different potential buyers.

This car is not just a run of the mill 300SE but a fully prepared successful classic rally car. Overall winner of the prestigious Monte Carlo Winter Challenge in 2002, and well known in Historic rallying circles with the memorable registration number 5POT.....Spot the winner!!

The work carried out back in 2001, has not just given this car all the tools to compete in historic rallies, but has much improved the day to day drivability of this car on the open road. With just 46,000 miles on the clock since new, we are informed it performs much better than the other W112s the current vendor has previously owned, with improved gear ratios, better brakes and suspension. Internally the period Recaro seats are so much more comfortable and supportive than the original seats and upon close inspection, as a result of the original Mercedes leather being used, they suit the car perfectly in our vendors opinion.

Further work entailed the removal of the complicated air suspension in favour of the steel springs used on the V8 models, stronger back axle, a sump guard, strengthened engine mounts and ventilated, chrome plated wheels. Vented brake discs and harder pads with Castrol hi-performance fluid give much-improved braking with less fade when pressing on. The interior is fitted with Recaro seats with electric height adjustment trimmed in original Mercedes perforated leather, twin fire extinguishers and a discreet map reading light.

The restoration of this golden 'rocket ship' cost in excess of £35,000 and all the invoices are in the file, as is a host of other fascinating documents, including four charming caricature drawings of the car in action by the renowned motorsport artist, Ian Shapland. There is also a large file of photos of 5POT on various rallies.MoT certificates going back to 1983 are present, together with the original inspection sheet from the supplying Mercedes-Benz Dealer back in 1964. What a rare opportunity to own a model that is following the same upward financial climb as the SL Pagoda's but, more importantly, has a lot of sporting history and drives like a dream.