SELLING AT NO RESERVE!!  ONLINE ONLY AUCTION at www.classicpromenade.com. This is a beautiful example of the classic and elegant 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE coupe, with the trifecta of options: four-speed manual, factory sunroof and factory air conditioning. Further, this is believed to be the only one in this striking two-tone color combination and this has been a regular Mercedes-Benz Club first place award winner since at least 1985. This car has been loved and cared for since new and has traveled 56,900 miles since new. We love the 300SE trim and enhancements that this car has throughout, such as the chrome trim around the wheel wells.

It is now offered as a sympathetically restored-as-needed original car that can be shown at local and regional events but enjoyed as a wonderful tour car, weekend driver or date-night head-turner. This is only one of 3,601 250SE Coupes and Convertibles made for 1966, and the only one in this color combination, making this truly unique.

This Sunroof Coupe has enjoyed four owners since new. According to the Data Card, it was produced from August 1965 to April 1966. Dr. George Theodorou purchase this new until it was sold to USAF General Fred W. Vetter of Dover, DE. On October 6, 1987, the General sold it to Charles F. Stuchik III from Milton, DE. The Coupe had accumulated 48,163 miles since new. We have certifications that the original speedometer was replaced at 38,853 miles on it.

In 1988, this Coupe had been thoroughly inspected and appraised by Mercedes 300SL luminary Robert Platz from East Camden, NJ. He fully documented the history and condition of the car, noting it as a unique special order two-tone color combination of Silver Gray Metallic (Code 180) and Medium Red Metallic (Code 567). Mr. Platz further mentioned that this car was fastidiously maintained and had always been kept covered in a conditioned garage. The interior was ordered with its beautiful Cognac Leather (Code 216).

The last owner, Richard D. Sammons from Seaford, DE, enjoyed the 250SE for over 30 years. We have a variety of service and repair receipts dating back to at least 1981.

The maroon paint is very nice and, according to documents, was repainted in 1979. It still radiates a beautiful luster but there is fine spider webbing on the upper surface of the hood, and trunk. It is beautiful as it is and the spider webbing is noticeable only upon very close inspection. The silver gray metallic appears to be more of a light gray to us, perhaps being changed from its original either during 1979 or thereafter. We think the color combination is stunning as it is. The chrome is largely original and overall very nice. There are small dings and dents in the rear bumper and some of the fender trim pieces.

Inside, the Cognac leather is stunning and the seats feature the rare center arm rests. The interior is all original, including the carpets and the upholstery. The cognac leather looks just right and very elegant in this example. The Macassar Ebony wood pops out from the cognac leather. The wood is beautiful but the piece around the bottom of the windshield should be refinished because there is some de-lamination on the edges. The black steering wheel is perfect and the horn surround has the cognac trim installed, tying it into the rest of the interior. Correct period Kangol seat belts are installed for the front passengers. And the correct original Kuhlmeister air conditioning works beautifully and has been converted to modern Freon, R134a. The original Becker Europa radio is working beautifully with its AM/FM and Short Wave functionality and the correct electric antenna. All lights, gauges, accessories, etc. work as they should.

The heart of this Mercedes is the engine, transmission and drive-train. The 2.5 liter straight six is reliable and performs well with 170 hp, providing a top speed of 118 mph. The engine compartment and chassis have been detailed for show and are breathtaking. The engine compartment has had most all items polished, chromed, and detailed much like the factory show cars. It is simply stunning to look at this engine compartment. The car runs and drives very well and is a joy to drive. We enjoyed driving this to and from home and the showroom several times and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The car is so tight and responsive, it is very obvious that it has 56,900 miles from new. The four-speed manual transmission is tight and the four wheel disc brakes are responsive with just a light touch of your toes.

The trunk is also fully detailed and ready for show. Inside the trunk is the original spare that has never been used, along with the operating instruction tag, jack, tools and the tools roll and the original trunk mat is just about like new. Even the original Mercedes locking gas cap is in great shape.

This 250SE comes with documentation covering forty years, including the owners manuals, service manual, parts manual, manuals for the radio, antenna, seat belts, air conditioning, wiring diagrams, sales catalog, factory communications, Data Card, bills of sale, etc.

If you are a collector, or new to the hobby, this is a terrific car to enjoy. It has been a show car since at least 35 years and has been cared for far better than any example we’ve seen. Its patina makes this much more approachable to drive and enjoy, and also makes the car more affordable to acquire. We have this priced right at the Hagerty No. 2 value.

This Coupe is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. For more information, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at harry@classicpromenade.com.