One of the finest W111 250SE coupes to be found at Canepa

[perry113]

I was checking out Canepa's inventory this morning and came upon this 1966 250SE they have in inventory.
This car appears to be about as nice as you will ever find and a 4 speed to boot.
see here:
http://www.canepacollection.com/detail-1966-mercedes~benz-250_se-opera_coupe-used-13349873.html

[Jonny B]

Most impressive. Wonder what the $$ is?

[wwheeler]

Seen that one before. http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17717.0. 

[Pinder]

i can imagine who did this spent many hours awake at night.

[perry113]

Here's an interview with the owner who orchestrated final restoration and reassembly.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/driveon/2013/05/29/mercedes-benz-se/2367089/

He is quoted as saying that the last 3% is the hardest part. He is so correct in saying that. The final fit and adjustment period in reassembly and the final shake down is so time consuming and critical.

What an incredible job.

[Benz Dr.]

That car is very impressive but I wouldn't be able to give it top marks as concourse judge. I had a 250SE coupe and it never had a carpeted trunk mat and I'm fairly certain they never did. The paint inside the trunk is too shiny as are all of the black parts. In short, it's over restored; but it does look nice.

[wwheeler]

The thing I don't understand on high level restorations like this is why they always paint the ENTIRE underside body color. I agree it is easier to cover the whole surface, but it will get point deductions quickly. If you just happen to like a sealed painted surface that cleans easily, then use a clear on top that has a flatnner to reduce the gloss. That is what I did on mine. I agree on the wrong high gloss on the black parts. Maybe was done to add bling?

I think the picture of the trunk shows the factory rubber mat. Looks dull grey possibly from fading. It looks identical to my rubber mat.

[mbzse]

../...don't understand on high level restorations like this is why they always paint the ENTIRE underside body color../...

I kind of wonder about that as well, Wallace.  Certainly very non-original. To each his own, for sure.  But, don't claim they came that way from the factory...
/Hans in Sweden

[wwheeler]

To each his own and I am just fine with that. I am the first to admit that I have changed my car from factory specs to my own liking. Wood binnacle, earlier chrome interior parts and early door panels with the integral arm rest to name a few. Of course these are all easily changed back if originality is wanted at some point and I am quite open about making these alterations.

I guess seeing something like the full body color underneath is a red flag and makes you more curious to see what else may not have been done to the factory specs. One can only imagine the cost of such a restoration as this.