1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

7 Sources:

Technical Details:

Beneath its refined shell, the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe featured a 2,996 cc M189 inline-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, producing around 170 hp. Power was delivered through a 4-speed automatic transmission, with a 4-speed manual offered optionally. The car topped out near 190 km/h (118 mph), marking it a high-performance luxury coupe of its time. Standard features included air suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, a rarity in 1964. The self-leveling pneumatic suspension system provided unmatched ride comfort and stability, and power steering came standard. Built on a W111-derived unibody platform, the 300 SE Coupe incorporated heavier-duty components and 14-inch wheels for enhanced performance.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe (W112)
Year of Manufacturing: 1964

Design:

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe, penned by Paul Bracq, exudes classic elegance. It shares its fundamental body lines with the W111 220SE but eliminates the sedan’s tailfins for a sleeker silhouette. Chrome trim is lavishly applied, from the iconic wide grille with the Mercedes star to the polished bumpers and window surrounds. The pillarless hardtop design enhances its open, airy character when windows are down. Inside, the cabin boasts rich leather seats and real wood veneers, with a large ivory steering wheel and elegant VDO instruments. Every detail, from the Becker radio to the optional air conditioning, underscores its luxury status.

Historical Significance:

As the range-topping coupe of its era, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE bridged the handcrafted 1950s 300 S models and the later S-Class lineage. It was a showcase of Mercedes’s technical innovation, integrating fuel injection, air suspension, and advanced safety design. Only 2,419 coupes and cabriolets were made between 1962 and 1967, underscoring its exclusivity. Developed under the leadership of engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and informed by Béla Barényi’s pioneering crash safety designs, the 300 SE Coupe became a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering ambitions and craftsmanship.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Nicknamed “Flachkühler” (low grille) in Germany, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe had a distinctive low-profile front. Noted for its luxurious ride, the air suspension could cause the car to sit low if left unused—a quirk many collectors now admire. Celebrities like Alfred Hitchcock and Doris Day were fans, and its appearances in 1960s-set films affirm its status as a style icon. The B-pillar-less design required extra floor reinforcement, an innovation in structural engineering. It even featured in Forza Horizon 4, continuing its cultural relevance.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Coupe remains a benchmark of 1960s European luxury. Its combination of timeless design, pioneering technology, and rare production numbers make it a treasured collectible. It’s an elegant expression of Mercedes-Benz’s vision—sophisticated, smooth, and impressively engineered. Whether admired for its heritage or its aesthetics, the 300 SE Coupe is a crown jewel among classic grand tourers.