A Final-Year 1967 300SE Cabriolet: The Rare 1 of 708 Air-Suspension Cabriolets

Though it shares the elegant "pillarless" silhouette of its W111 siblings, the 300SE is distinguished by its regal, "over-chromed" aesthetic. This example features the prestigious wheel-arch chrome moldings and a full-length lateral trim strip that visually lengthens the car, giving it a presence that is more "stately manor" than "sports car." 1967 was the final year of production, meaning this car represents the ultimate evolution of Paul Bracq's design before the brand shifted toward the flatter, more horizontal styling of the late 60s.

The true heart of this flagship is the 3.0-liter M130 inline-six engine. This wasn't just another Mercedes engine; it was a sophisticated, all-alloy unit derived directly from the powerplants found in the legendary 300SL Gullwing and the 300 "Adenauer" limousine. Featuring a specialized Bosch six-plunger mechanical fuel injection system, it produced between 170 and 195 HP. This gave the massive Cabriolet a balanced personality offering smooth, high-torque delivery that could effortlessly sustain Autobahn speeds all day long.

While its peers relied on traditional springs, the 300SE utilized a complex hydro-pneumatic, self-leveling air suspension system. This technology, which later served as the foundation for the legendary 600 Grosser, allowed the car to maintain a perfectly level ride regardless of passenger load or road conditions. This translates to an immaculate ride quality that remains impressively supple by 2026 standards, soaking up imperfections with a level of grace that steel springs simply cannot replicate.

Inside, the 300SE moves beyond standard Mercedes appointments into the realm of true hand-craftsmanship. The cabin is an ocean of high-grade dark green leather and Macassar ebony wood trim. Every detail, from the heavy-gauge chrome switchgear to the massive, ivory-colored steering wheel, was built to a standard of "no compromise." With its deep-pile carpeting and standard power steering, it offered a level of luxury that was unprecedented for an open-top car in 1967.