1965 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 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:

Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan lies the same 3.0L M189 inline-six as its coupe sibling, tuned with Bosch fuel injection to produce around 170 horsepower. With a 4-speed automatic (or optional manual) transmission, the car accelerated from 0–100 km/h in roughly 12 seconds. Its hallmark, however, was its suspension – a self-leveling air system that smoothed out cobbled streets and rough roads alike. Front disc brakes and power-assisted steering enhanced drivability, while the W111-based unibody with Béla Barényi’s crumple-zone safety architecture made it a pioneer in passenger protection. The long-wheelbase (SEL) version further extended comfort and marked the start of Mercedes’s LWB tradition.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan (W112)
Year of Manufacturing: 1965

Design:

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan adopted the Heckflosse (Fintail) styling, with modest rear fins used both for aesthetics and parking assistance. The front showcased the signature upright grille, stacked headlights, and additional chrome flourishes to underscore its top-tier status. Inside, occupants were treated to burled walnut trim, MB-Tex or leather upholstery, and a large ivory-colored steering wheel. The cabin comfortably seated six, and the Lang version was a preview of Pullman luxury. From large windows to soft carpets, every detail conveyed European refinement.

Historical Significance:

As Mercedes’s luxury sedan flagship before the arrival of the 600 Grosser, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan was the last and most advanced of the Fintail era. It democratized innovation, bringing air suspension and fuel injection to four-door formats. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan’s introduction of a stretched wheelbase laid the foundation for future S-Class LWB models. With limited production—about 5,200 standard and 1,546 LWB units—it became a rare breed. It also demonstrated Mercedes’s commitment to safety with its crash-tested body design and competed with surprising success in European rallying.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan earned the affectionate nickname “Heckflosse” from its tailfins. A diplomatic favorite, it featured in Cold War films and spy thrillers, including appearances in “The Pink Panther” and “Mad Men.” Known for its “morning squat,” the car’s air suspension often sank overnight. Some models were painted in vibrant hues, but most came in sober colors like navy or black. Famous for its quiet dignity, it even served royals—Emperor Haile Selassie and West Germany’s Chancellery both used one.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.

Conclusion:

The 1965 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE sedan exemplified European luxury motoring of the 1960s. With engineering innovations, dignified design, and understated elegance, it carved a unique space in Mercedes’s history. Its role in defining the flagship sedan and pioneering the S-Class ethos make it a cherished classic. For collectors, it offers both a piece of history and a pinnacle of period-correct prestige.