1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coupe

The stylish W111 coupe and cabriolet range was originally launched by Mercedes-Benz in 1961, with smooth, understated styling by Frenchman Paul Bracq, showing an American influence thanks to the vestigal rear fins. The Sindelfingen-built coupe had particularly clean lines, with pillarless side glass and a wraparound rear window while underneath, the running gear was derived from the luxurious Finnie saloons. In August 1965, the original 220SE coupe was replaced with the 250SE using a new 2.5-litre M129 engine (developing 150 bhp thanks to the greater capacity and raised compression) usually combined with a sophisticated four-speed automatic transmission. Complementing the new power plant, Mercedes-Benz added disc brakes all round and moved to 14-inch wheels. Always built in small numbers, just 5,259 examples of the exclusive 250SE coupe were turned out before the announcement of the replacement 280SE in late 1967. Of these, 235 were equipped with right-hand drive and just 86 coupes were delivered to Australia when new. Today, these discreetly elegant German luxury coupes remain sought after by those who appreciate the combination of Teutonic engineering, rarity and timeless elegance both inside and out.