1965 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible - 3.5L, Frame-Off Restoration. Estimate $115,000 - $140,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
The Mercedes-Benz tradition of imposing, elegant and fast convertibles goes back to the pre-war era. The magnificent models produced in the three decades after World War II have remained popular to this day.
This particular example began life as a 1965 250SE convertible, then powered by a 2.5L six-cylinder engine, but now sports a 3.5L V-8 engine. Originally delivered in Germany, this car underwent a bare-metal, frame-off restoration in Hamburg, Germany in the early 1980s. The restoration took nearly two years, with parts sourced from the Mercedes-Benz factory. In the course of the work, the external appearance was expertly transformed to be indistinguishable from the ultimate Mercedes-Benz series of the 1960s, where the final iteration of the “fintail” was fitted with a new 3.5L V-8 engine. This version had a lower, wider radiator in order to accommodate the engine, giving the car a more modern look, in concert with vertical twin headlights, which were fashionable at the time.
During its restoration, the interior was trimmed in new Cream leather upholstery from Mercedes-Benz to offset its Adriatic Blue exterior. Further updates included a new wooden dash panel, rewiring and electrical items. On the exterior, the new chrome brightwork and lights were sourced from factory. A reworking of the suspension and tires followed. Finally, the car was fitted with a superb drivetrain from an original 280SE 3.5. The superb V-8 propelled the car to a factory-rated 120 MPH top speed. The car has spent much of its life since the work was completed being taken to events and shows or kept in an air-conditioned garage in Henderson, Nevada.
The car has factory air conditioning, power steering, power door locks and an electric antenna. With a mohair convertible top this Mercedes-Benz is suitable for year-round use.
Mecum Monterey 2015