Mercedes-Benz 250SE

ENGINE 2497cc/6-cyl/OHC POWER 148bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 159lb ft@4200rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 115mph 0-60MPH 12sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-22mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT 12 months ODOMETER 25,301 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This 250 SE starts straight off the turn of the key. The engine is beautifully refined with no deviation or hesitation, and you’ll love with the way it pulls through the gears. The steering, though customarily featherlight and relaxed, feels as it should – there are no dead points. The brakes bring the Benz to a halt in a quick yet predictable manner and there’s no tramlining. The car drives like it’s been prepared and looked after supremely well.

BODYWORK CHECK

It’s not exactly subtle, so it’s good to know that once you’ve nabbed everyone’s attention that the bodywork passes scrutiny. All the panels are as they should be, and the shutlines are as they were crafted all those years ago. The chromework is in fantastic condition, with no ‘misting’ or pitting anywhere. There are no signs of corrosion in the wheelarches or sills and all the window rubbers appear to be in good order. The four matched tyres all have good tread and the hubcaps are free from scratches or dents.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

If the exterior wasn’t eye popping enough, then the bright red MB-Tex/cloth interior will certainly garner attention. Again, you won’t be left embarrassed by the peering gaze of onlookers – the interior is absolutely exquisite. The seats look hardly used, and there are no loose threads, broken springs or tears to the fabric. All the dials work, and the heater system functions well. The wood is in good order, with no scratches or cracks. The rear seats are in equally good condition, and the headlining is top notch. There are a few cracks to the white steering wheel but the rim still feels beautifully smooth to the touch. It does, however, get a black mark for having a dashboard emblem held on with Blu-Tack.

UNDER THE BONNET

Popping that long bonnet reveals an engine bay in good overall condition. This is a car that has been used, but it’s received doting care, too. All the fluids are up to their correct marks and none escaped during our test. The vendor has sold this car before so its history is well known, and it comes with a vast paperwork file. The engine was rebuilt 6000 miles ago, and though the odometer reads 25,000 miles the speedo was changed from kilometres to miles in 2000; it’s an ex-South Africa car.

THE CCW VIEW

Whatever you plan to do with this car, you’ll find that it is more than ready for the task. For simply pottering from show to show this is a refined, beautifully presented cruiser. If you’d like to use it for longdistance touring rallies – as it has been before – then this is perfect – it’s comfortable and reliable enough to do it. It’s a car well worth checking out.