I’ve always regarded the Mercedes W111 Coupe and Cabriolet range as the pinnacle of the regular Mercedes-Benz models. True there were always Gullwings and 500K roadsters, but they are really in a class of their own. They were always rare cars, but the W111 Coupe/Cabriolet in right hand drive are that rarer again.
I’ve owned a 250SE coupe (LHD), and currently own a 250SE Cabriolet. I used to think about getting another Coupe to go with it, but the prices have shot up so much to make that less and less realistic. Given how comparatively rare the right hand drive models of these cars are, I keep a database of each I see for sale or at a show. But to start with, below are the production numbers of the RHD cars. I’ve also included how many were officially imported into Australia.
It is interesting to see how these figures get ‘stretched’ by optimistic car dealers!
Australian Delivery cars mean exactly that, a car ordered and delivered through an Australian Mercedes-Benz dealer. My 250SE, while it has always been an Australian car (albeit a well traveled one), was purchased by a Diplomat posted overseas. Therefore it is officially classed as an order for a foreign diplomat. The numbers come from a reliable source, although I have seen a 250SE Cabriolet with a Yorkstar inventory placard. I am not sure of this car’s story.
Despite the 300SE being the significantly most expensive option, this model was relatively popular in right hand drive countries. The 300SE is actually a W112, but I include the numbers as it is related.
The sad thing about all this is the number of factory coupes that have been ruined by cutting the roof off them to make a fake cabriolet. The cabriolet is built very differently and the coupe is beautiful car in its own right. It is such a shame to see these cars butchered like that.
The W111 Coupe/Cabriolet in Right Hand Drive is a very rare beast.
Just saved a 1964 mercedes 220se automatic coupe from a barn and about to start a long process of restoration. Not sure how many right hand drives were autos? Regards, Chris.
Hi Chris,
I don’t have the definitive answer to your question, but put the information I have in the following post:
https://www.classicjalopy.com/2013/11/mercedes-w111-coupecabriolet-rhd-manual-vs-auto/
Hi there! I own a 250SE 1967 RHD cabriolet – original factory model. Fully rebuilt (interior and exterior) Bought it in Australia in 1995, had it rebuilt there in 2010 and exported to UK. Happy to share pics.
Yes, please Yuri, I would be very interested!
re w111 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolets delivered in Australia , there were 6 cars delivered through dealers , I have one of them
I’ve seen both numbers, but I find the source that lists 5 as more reliable.
I guess if we can identify 6 cars then that would be definitive.
There also could be edge cases like Diplomat delivery cars such as my 250SE cab that was always and ‘australian’ car but is not counted as Australian delivery.
I’ve also seen a 250SE Cab with a yorkstar plate, but never seen the data card so not sure if the information I have here is correct/incorrect.
Hi,
I am looking for a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE b 1960’s W111 Coupé. Do you know of anyone who has any for sale RHD?
Thanks,DEBBIE
Thanks a lot for this information! What was the source? Does anyone know where we could find the same figures for the 4-Door saloon W111/W112?
Thanks again!
Martin
used a few different sources to pull this together. I can’t recall seeing the LHD/RHD split for the Saloons, but as I don’t own one I have not spent time researching it. If I ever find them, I will post.
I just replied to another of your excellent posts on the make up of the other W 111 cars in Australia as I have acquired the 280 SE coupe 3.5,RHD, manual that Alan Jone’s father, Stan, imported into Australia from the UK.
VIN 111026 20 003230
To know that only 245 were made worldwide in RHD is especially fascinating.
I found an ad in Europe for 1 other manual. Both have the same unattractive gear stick!!
The dealer thought there may be another manual in Australia ?
and they may be more common in Europe in LHD.
Researching the history is fascinating
If you are aware of how to find the data on how many 300 SEL 6.3 were RHD and imported into Australia I would be keen to find that out as well. Happy to do the leg work and share.
I have 2 late build 300 SELs 6.3 and I am selling one
I have found references to 2 other RHD manual 3.5 coupes
1 in Sydney. A dark blue one previously owned by a MBC of NSW President. It has manual windows and no roof
A white one was sold from Melbourne into Canberra in 2002. Code 717 colour Papyrus white
Given the worldwide production of RHD manuals was probably 9 if the ratios of production work that 3 of them came here and survive is quite extraordinary
I have checked with MB Australia and can confirm that more 280SE coupes were aussie delivered than your numbers show.. 18 were fully optioned with power roof, windows and aircon. Mine is one of them.
Can you share the details? The numbers I have apparently come from MB Germany.
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