1990 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

This W126 300SE is truly remarkable. Not only is it an immaculate example just covered just 24k miles from new, it also has the most unusual specification, being ordered from new with the ultra-rare five-speed manual gearbox.

Finished in Smoke Silver with Mushroom interior trim, its curious specification (all options listed in full below) extends well beyond the manual gearbox. Other rare and expensive options include

auto-locking (ASD) differential, steel sump guard, leather trim with electric front seats, heated seats front and rear, orthopaedic seats, rear reading lights, fire extinguisher and an electric rear blind. No A/C or alloys though!

This is the beauty of Mercedes of this era; you could tailor them to your exact personal requirements.

The first owner kept the car from new until 2013, with four subsequent. There’s a full service history, majority MB main dealer. Recent work includes head gasket replacement, new fan clutch and water pump using only genuine parts in 2021.

The car has evidently been garage from new and is completely free of corrosion. The underside is immaculate and still in its original wax finish above the rear axle. Beautiful paintwork and brightwork. Matching Michelin tyres.

The interior is exceptional with soft original leather and unmarked woodwork – it still feels new inside.

The car is a lot of fun to drive; the manual gearbox adds another layer of engagement with the car, yet it retains the smoothness and sophistication you expect in an S-Class. The car feels lively and the tall fifth gear gives it fantastic high-speed cruising. Of course with just 24k miles, this 300SE still feel factory fresh.

This is a unique car. We don’t know exactly how many manual 300SEs were delivered in RHD, but it is for sure a very low number. And how many of those have covered just 24k miles and survived in such exceptional condition? A car for the collector.

Option Codes

211 – Automatic limited slip differential

221 – Left front seat electrically adjustable

222 – Right front seat electrically adjustable

227 – Ashtray and cigar lighter at rear left & right

406 – Orthopaedic seats, front left & right

412 – Electric  tilt/slide sunroof

452 – Two-tone horn

481 – Undershields

544 – Roller blind, electric, for rear window & illuminated vanity mirrors

592 – Heat insulating glass

600 – Headlamp wash/wipe

673 – High-capacity battery

682 – Fire extinguisher

731 – Walnut wood trim

872 – Heated rear seats

873 – Heated front seats

877 – Reading lamps in rear