1966 300 SE cabriolet

[jlc]

Iwould like to know how many of these cars were built and how many were sold in USA?:)

[sweeny]

Best I can do: 708 cabriolets were built between '61 and '65. They overlapped part of the production of 200SEb's (61-'65) and 250 SE's ('65-'67), but were based on the 112 body, not the 111 like the 220, 250 and 280 SE's.


Also 2,419 coupes.

All had air suspension.

[zak]

Good subject. I never understood the difference between the 300se cab and the 220, 250 and 280 cabs apart from engine and suspension. Is there any? And are they more valuable then their counterparts ? Is this 300 engine a desendent of the 300sl ?

[Tom Hanson]

A few added comments: This model had chrome side mouldings and fender well mouldings in addition to the chrome found on the other coupe/cabriolets. The engine was basically a continuation of the 300SL and still retained many of the same parts. The sheetmetal is the same as the 61-69 W111 coupe/convertible series. Great car. Not too many years ago, they were still ignored and undesireable. That has all changed. They are being thoroughly sought after. Fantastic car.

[zak]

Boy, that 300 sl engine in various forms was used for a long time, what from 1952 thru to 1969 ??? My friend owns Jackie Gleasons 1961 300D Addinauer with a toned down 300 sl engine. What a piece of art.

[Enigma_Owl]

Hi Zak,
The 300SE Convertible and Coupes were the last to carry that venerable engine in 1967. MBZ replaced both the 250SE and 300SE with the new 280SE in 1968. Many collectors consider the 280 engine as the most balanced one produced for the w111 body coupes and convertibles, even though the 300 and 3.5 versions are worth more. Tom's right about the 300SE's though, they are quickly gaining in value. So if you can get a complete one, do so! Just watch out for that air suspension!