In March 1962, Mercedes-Benz celebrated the debut of two luxury first-class cars at the 32nd Geneva Motor Show - the 300 SE Coupé and the 300 SE Cabriolet (W 112 series).

In terms of style, both the coupé and the cabriolet were based on the respective variants of the 220 SE (W 111). The entire floor unit was adopted from the tailfin lounge, highlighting the imposing presence of both two-door vehicles with its 2.75 meter wheelbase and 4.88 meter total length.

However, the new models had finishing elements in addition to those of the 2.2-liter model, in addition to being equipped with the engine and technology of the 300 SE sedan. Initially, the M 189 IV inline six-cylinder light metal engine delivered 160 hp (118 kW) at 5000 rpm, having an increased power of 170 hp (125 kW) at 5400 rpm from 1964. Depending on the axle ratio rear and engine installed, the coupe and cabriolet can reach top speeds between 175 km / h and 195 km / h.

Standard vehicle equipment included a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, air suspension and a dual circuit brake system with disc brakes on the front and rear wheels. The additional chrome decoration consisted of a continuous finishing strip in the longitudinal groove that ran from the headlights to the taillights and distinct trim strips on the front and rear wheel arches.

Coupé culture and cabriolet fascination in its purest form

The two new models not only represented the summit of their model series in March 1962. They also set the general standards for two highly exclusive body shapes behind which a particular interpretation of the fascination for cars lay: the cabriolet-class coupe .

Driving a luxury class coupé is an expression of the automotive culture that is as exclusive as it is elegant: the two-door passenger car combines fluid forms and a sporty atmosphere with powerful drive systems and great compromises.

The luxury cabriolet, on the other hand, opens up to the sky, breaking the boundary between the passenger compartment and its surroundings. In particular, with the top pulled back, this type of vehicle combines the originality of automotive travel with distinctive yet sporty motorsport. In addition, the robust convertible hood offers the protection of a coupe if desired.

Mercedes-Benz luxury coupés and cabriolets perceive these special values ​​in an exemplary way over and over again, which is why the Mercedes-Benz brand and culture model has proved its understanding and appreciation for both vehicle concepts through a large number of models.

Luxury coupés and cabriolets from the Stuttgart-based brand are not only based on this great tradition, they also always look to the future. In the 1962 300 SE Coupé and the 300 SE Cabriolet, this specific aspiration found its expression in line with its time. This was understood by the magazine “auto, motor und sport” in its 7/1962 edition, which hailed the two new cars in the 112/3 series as the “non-plus-ultra of modern automotive construction”.

Closely related to the "tailfin", still independent

Despite all their technical and stylistic affinity with the sedan, the two-door vehicles were original and compelling vehicle designs. Thus, Mercedes-Benz did not use a single centerpiece of the blank body of the four-door model for the coupe and cabriolet. And for the project, the developers explored their own paths, for example, the tailfins of the show were only suggested in the coupe and cabriolet.