With its muscular 3.0 liter 184 hp engine—lifted from the 300SL “gullwing”—and self-leveling pneumatic suspension with four wheel disc brakes, the W112 300SE was the Mercedes to have in the 1960s. It was, at the time, the most expensive Mercedes-Benz one could buy, next to the venerable 600. Only 708 of these rare convertibles were made, making 25,000 Km example a very special car indeed. This 1966 300SE Cabriolet has been in the ownership of a single family since new. It was first purchased in Frankfurt, Germany on August 2nd 1966, as recorded in the original registration log.  The car was imported into the U.S. in 1977 by the same gentleman who had purchased the car new, and immediately he put it into proper storage. It remained in storage until 2000 when it was sent off to Rennsport motors for a complete top down restoration. The entire car was taken apart, painted in its original Metallic Blue (Paint Code: 387) and all mechanical components were separated from the body in order to be properly rebuilt. The suspension was redone entirely, down to the last nut and bolt, with careful attention and effort paid to the pneumatic system, which received a new compressor along with new air lines and airbags. Importantly and often overlooked, the alcohol drying system was also completely refurbished. While the engine was out it was disassembled, cleaned, adjusted, and rebuilt using new gaskets and seals. The transmission was overhauled completely, as were all braking components, the factory A/C system, vacuum booster, and exhaust. All bushings, seals, gaskets, linings, and hoses have been replaced on this car, and to “top” it all off, it was given a brand new convertible top. The attractive (and desirable)  Euro-Lites were modified to fit H4 bulbs to improve functionality. Due to economic reasons, it took eight years until the car was properly restored. Since the restoration was completed the car has accrued only 3,000 km. The car retains its original interior which is in very good condition, and all chrome presents at new. This is Mercedes cruising in its grandest form.

Chassis number:                 112 023 12 009415
Engine number:                  189 987 12 001197
Transmission number:      9609
Front axle number, l:        001089
Front axle number, r:        001074
Rear axle number:             739
Steering box number:       37224
Ignition key code:              D 33152
Trunk/glove key code:      KN 057
Door/tank key code:         TN 008
Exterior color code:           387 – blue 
interior color code:            not listed
option codes:                      401 – single seats

                                                492 – HD heat exchanger

                                                516- Becker radio

                                                531 – automatic antenna

                                                540 – seat adapter between front seats

                                                551 – ivory colored steering wheel

                                                641 – white wall tires

                                                256 – limited-slip rear axle

                                                263 – 400W alternator?

                                                305 – fan clutch

                                                306 – air conditioner