Highlights

Recent £20,000 respray in Midnight Blue
Converted to 280SE 2.8L 158bhp straight six
Impeccable maintenance history with marque experts
Recent service and positive inspection by Colin Ferns
Featured in the opening credits of Made in Chelsea
Great example of these perennially handsome classics

The Appeal

It perhaps comes as no surprise to discover that this handsome W111 convertible was the star of the opening credits of Made in Chelsea, that homage to the super-rich life of London’s most style-conscious connoisseurs.

With its long, reassuring lines, acres of chromework and practical four seat layout, the W111 is equally at home heading for the RAC Club as it is blasting across France to Nice. This car would be ideal for either thanks to its recent repaint in Midnight Blue and mechanical upgrades to 280SE running gear. The revised straight six powerplant delivers a healthy 158bhp via the smooth 4spd auto box.

It is in very good condition thanks to a meticulous servicing and maintenance regime by the likes of Colin Ferns and SR Technical Services. Alongside annual servicing and repairs irrespective of mileage, major work has included a full respray, engine rebuild, interior retrim and brake overhaul.

Fresh from a recent service and independent check by Colin Ferns - with very favourable feedback - this lovely 220SE 2.8L is both work of art and sumptuous tourer.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in the UK 10th November 1964
Seven registered keepers from new
Originally painted white which was changed in 2001
Extensive history file summarised below and shown in photos
Summary of recent work detailed below
MOT certificates as shown
We are told the car appeared in the opening credits of Made in Chelsea
Repainted in November 2019 at cost of £20,000 by Steve Redfearn
Bttery, fuel gauge sender, and air filter were replaced in March 2021
In October 2023 the roof seal and a door trim clip were replaced
Fitted with 280SE uprated 2.8L 158bhp engine
Last MOT expired 19th October 2022 with 19,800 miles and no advisories
Now showing 21,054 miles
Eligible for Historic Vehicle status based on age so could be tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt

During the previous ownership:

Engine rebuilt
Roof replaced
Ssome carpets replaced
Sseatbelts added to rear benc
Immobiliser fitted
Wooden dashboard replaced
Bumpers re-chromed

Recent maintenance:

August 2024 by Colin Ferns at 20,908 miles:

Engine oil and filter change
Rev-counter replaced
New analogue clock installed
Free-play in the gear lever rectified
Issue with door mechanismrectified
Full inspection with proper report Colin Ferns himself
This comments that the car is in excellent condition mechanically

January 2023 by SR Technical Services at 20,242 miles:

Major service
Engine oil and filter change
Power steering system overhaul
Deglazing of brake discs
Resurfacing of brake pads
Replace rear brake callipers
New brake fluid
Fuel filter replaced
Spark plugs changed
Engine tune and power check
Suspension grease

October 2021 at 19,800 miles by Steve Redfearn Motor Co:

Engine oil and filter change
Deglaze of the brake discs
Resurfacing of brake pads
Greasing of all suspension points
Adjusting the parking brake
Tensioning the drive belt
Electronic engine tune and power check

August 2019 at 19,033 miles by Steve Redfearn Motor Co:

Full service and inspection
Brake disc deglaze and a pad resurface
Brake fluid bleed
Engine oil and filter change
Replacement of the viscous coupling
Valve adjustment
Replacement of the washer pump
New fuel filter
New points
Replacement spark plugs
Track rod lock nuts replaced

Dates and Mileages of service work:

Aug 2024 - 20,908 Miles - Colin Ferns Ltd
Jan 2023 - 20,242 Miles - SR Technical Services
Oct 2021 - 19,800 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Aug 2019 - 19,033 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Sep 2018 - 18,500 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Oct 2017 - 18,284 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Jun 2016 - 17,647 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Sep 2015 - 17,415 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Aug 2014 - 17,001 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Sep 2013 - 16,472 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Aug 2012 - 15,802 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
May 2010 - 14,480 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
May 2009 - 14,261 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
May 2008 - 14,054 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
May 2007 - 13,772 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Feb 2006 - 12,366 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Oct 2004 - 11,663 Miles - Steve Redfearn Motor Co.
Oct 2001 - 10,046 Miles - BSG Garages Ltd
Nov 1999 - 5,683 Miles - BSG Garages Ltd

The Condition

Repainted in Midnight Blue 2019 by Steve Redfearn to a high standard
Sparing subsequent use means that the signs of age are very minor
These include some door edge chips but touch up paint is included
Bodywork presents very well and was subject to a recent positive inspection by Colin Ferns
Bright chromework was restored by previous keeper in places and is in good order
Underside in good order with no reported issues and no advisories on last MOT
Sits on correct factory 14in steel wheels with colour coded inserts and Runway Endura tyres
Spare tyre in boot with matching steel spare
Blue fabric roof replaced by previous keeper and in very good order with matching tonneau
Car is supplied with tools for soft top fixing and releasing
Blue leather interior retrimmed by a previous keeper and presents well
There is some light bolster wear to driver’s seat and leather would benefit from a feed
Rear seats fitted with belts by previous keeper
Walnut veneers in very good order with some replaced by previous keeper
Cabin switchgear in good order with some originality and generally well kept
Fitted with a modern Pioneer Bluetooth stereo

The joy of a good W111 is that what presents as a handsome, unfussy and timeless design contains a raft of detailing that delights the eye. This is most obvious in the interior, which mixes high-quality trim materials with hand-laid wood veneers, all arranged in a way that balances style with function.

This car displays all that to good effect thanks to its condition. It was repainted in popular Midnight Blue in 2019 by marque specialist Steve Redfearn at a cost o £20,000. Sparing subsequent use means that work has held up very well, with only very minor points to note.

The previous keeper's work included a retrim and a new roof, both of which are now in good order. The driver’s seat shows light wear, and the seats could generally use a feed, but both are minor issues that could be easily rectified.

The Mechanics

Upgraded to 2,778cc 280SE straight six 158bhp engine
4spd automatic gearbox with column change
Rear differential uprated to 3.69:1 ratio
Fitted with disc brakes from the 280SE
Regularly serviced and maintained by marque specialists as detailed above
This work has included an engine rebuild and attention to gearbox linkages
Last serviced and inspected in August 2024 by Colin Fearns
Extensive list of maintenance back to 1999 documented above
No reported running or driving issues

Such is the relaxing, long-legged nature of the Mercedes-Benz W111 that when you buy one of these evocative land yachts, of course, the one you really want is the 2.8L version with its ample 158bhp straight six motor.

This car left the factory as a 220SE but is now, thankfully, so-fitted. Since landing in this car, the motor has been fully rebuilt and subject to a rigorous maintenance and servicing regime, which we have documented above. To complement the extra power, this car is fitted with a 3.69:1 rear differential and disc brakes from the 280SE.

You can read about the car’s maintenance regime above. All work has been undertaken by highly regarded marque specialists like Steve Redfearn, Colin Ferns and SR Technical Services. The car is reported to be in very good mechanical health. Thanks to a recent full service and checkover by Colin Ferns in August 2024, this car wants for nothing and is ready to go.

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