Lot details

Year: 1967
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 250SE Cabriolet
Registration: NRK 881E
Chassis No: 11102322037114
Engine No: 12998022008727
Mileage: 89,108
•: Only three previous keepers
•: Fabulous history folder
•: One of only 26 right hand drive examples manufactured

When Mercedes-Benz replaced the popular 220 series in 1965, the S Class range was born. Much of the mechanical specification remained as before, but a new, sleeker bodyshell with lower roof and waistlines and a larger glass area was much more modern in design than the dated, finned wing appearance of its predecessor; supplementing the saloons there were, as always, both coupe and cabriolet derivatives. Power was provided by a choice of three overhead camshaft, six-cylinder engines; for the 250S, the 2,496cc motor produced 130bhp via twin carburettors with the 250SE benefitting from Bosch fuel injection and an increase in output to 150bhp, while in the 300SE capacity was raised to 2,996cc and power to 200bhp. Transmission was invariably an automatic four-speed unit. All provided respectable performance with the 250SE, for example, capable of 118mph and 0-60mph in around 11 seconds. As with all Mercedes-Benz models build quality was to a very high standard and the W108 ranged proved immensely popular until superseded in early 1970s.

Originally registered on 3rd January 1967 this genuine right hand drive cabriolet is one of only 26 examples manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, thus making it very rare. In left hand drive guise 928 examples were built. Finished in Papyrus White with black leather trim, a black hood (which is new) and grey carpets. The first owner was a Mr Roy Reemer, a photographer based in Fleet Street he kept the car for two years. In 1969 Mrs. Lois Winifred Le Roux of 9, Royal Crescent, Bath, purchased the car from Normans (Mayfair) Ltd the official Mercedes concessionaires in London. The sale price in 1969 was £3,950 the bill of sale and green logbook are both in the history file. Mrs. Le Roux kept the car for 52 years until she passed away in February 2021, the car was passed to her daughter Mrs. Ariane Davies-Gilbert of the same address in Bath. While in the hands of Mrs. Le Roux the car underwent substantial renovation work with invoices exceeding £25,000 in the history folder. The work included a full repaint, two new doors, new boot lid, new oil pump, gearbox overhaul, new brake calipers, fuel lines and radiator. The work was undertaken by marque specialist John Tallis (Bath) Ltd and Mercedes dealer H.D. Day & Son Ltd.

Whilst in the hands of Mrs. Davies-Gilbert the car underwent further work, carried out by Jworx Classic Specialist in Gloucester. This included a full service, new stainless-steel exhaust, new water pump, new suspension links and a new battery. This work totalled just over £7,000 with invoices in the file. In late 2021 the car was purchased by the current registered keeper, a fastidious and knowledgeable classic car enthusiast. He has invested further time and funds to ensure this Mercedes-Benz 250SE Cabriolet presents in the best possible condition. Work carried out during his stewardship includes extensive re-chroming, new front and rear discs and brake pads, replacement heater box and matrix, new rear shock absorbers and a full overhaul of the fuel injection pump by F. C. Penticost. Supplied with a V5C registration document, two keys, jack together with a wheelbrace and a comprehensive history file including a fuel rationing book from 1973. This 250SE Cabriolet is a truly delightful example and would grace any collection. Consigned by Stewart Banks.