Lot details Registration No: 2929 XJ Chassis No: 11202120005813 Mot Expiry: None
OFFERED FOR SALE WITHOUT RESERVE
Introduced in mid 1959, the Mercedes-Benz W111 series was a natural progression from the 220 Pontoon. The new models were bigger inside and out and sported a greater abundance of brightwork; not to mention the finned rear wings which spawned the model's 'fintail' nickname. In addition to the four-door Saloon, the range comprised an elegant two-door Cabriolet and Coupe. The cars were very well appointed inside, being adorned with Mercedes textured leather and wood trimmings. The fully independent suspension comprised wishbones and coil springs at the front and low-pivot swing-axles with radius arms and coil springs at the rear, the ride from which was very statesmanlike. Nevertheless a faster, still more luxurious flagship model was required to satisfy the company's VIP customers and, with the true replacement for the Type 300 Adenauer still a few years away, this was rapidly achieved by inserting the 3000cc M189 six cylinder engine into the nose of the W111 range to create the W112 - better known as the 300SE. Determined to ensure the newcomer was not confused with its smaller-engined, slightly less sumptuous siblings, Mercedes separated the marketing of the W111 and W112 - not only did they have separate brochures, but they were even displayed in different showrooms. The models also looked quite different, with the newcomer featuring still more external brightwork and larger 14-inch wheel-rims. Under the skin they were equipped with such niceties as power steering and pneumatic suspension. They also had more performance of course, their 160bhp engine permitting speeds of up to 112mph. Though demand for the 300SE range inevitably fell away with the arrival of the eagerly-awaited 600 Limousine in 1963, production of the 300SE Coupe continued until 1967, by which time some 2,419 had been made.
The right-hand drive Coupe on offer is a manual transmission example finished in Blue with Grey upholstery. '2929 XJ' has been dry stored since 2002 and, though it has had some attention to the brakes, the engine will not currently turn over and work is required on the air suspension etc. The car is being sold without reserve and a spare engine and suspension parts are available by separate negotiation.
PLEASE NOTE: The current V5C Registration Document which accompanies this lot states that it was first registered in 1961. However, the continuation green logbook and old V5 Registration Document which also come with it both give the year of first registration as 1964. To the best of our knowledge Mercedes-Benz did not launch the (W112) 300SE Coupe until the March 1962 Geneva Motor Show, while a manual transmission variant was only introduced some twelve months later. As such we believe that this lot was first registered in 1964.
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