Visitors to the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, can now admire a rare 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible, a W111 model that exemplifies the handcrafted luxury and advanced engineering of Mercedes-Benz during the 1960s. The car, chassis WDB 111 023 120 88152 ZU, was owned by William J. Godfrey from 2001 until his passing and became part of the museum's collection through his estate. Finished in Ivory with a red leather interior and black convertible top, it stands out among the classic cars on display.
The 250SE was introduced with an upgraded 2,496 cc M129.980 fuel-injected six-cylinder engine producing approximately 150 horsepower. Fuel injection, refined engineering, and luxurious appointments established it as an exceptional grand touring automobile. Its rarity is notable: between 1961 and 1971, Mercedes-Benz produced only 7,013 W111 Convertibles, and just 954 were 250SE Convertibles with the automatic DB gearbox. This places the car among a small group built during a celebrated period of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.
The odometer shows 10,971 miles, with actual mileage presumed to be approximately 110,971. Rather than being preserved solely as a static piece, the car was regularly driven, reflecting a philosophy of enjoying the automobile. The replacement canvas convertible top and tonneau cover complement the restoration, while an aftermarket air-conditioning system adds modern comfort. The body remains structurally sound, with solid door bottoms, sills, wheel arches, and headlamp mounting areas. No rust was found in the spare-wheel well, and the chrome, wheels, tires, and hubcaps retain their period appearance. The 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine runs well.
The W111 story began in 1959 with the four-door saloon. The two-door Coupe followed in 1961 and was presented on February 24, 1961, at the opening of the Daimler-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The Convertible outlived the four-door by six years, remaining in production until May 1971. Engineering-wise, the W111 was the first Mercedes-Benz to incorporate built-in crumple zones, building on earlier safety innovations like burst-proof door locks. The two-door models were among the last extensively hand-built Mercedes-Benz automobiles at the Sindelfingen body plant, incorporating approximately four times as many hand-made parts as the four-door models, which contributed to their craftsmanship and higher original price.
The W111's appeal extended beyond traditional buyers. Rocket scientist Wernher von Braun owned several and purchased one of the final examples in 1971. A brown W111 Convertible was also driven by Kevin Costner in the 2005 film Rumor Has It.
Preserved through Godfrey's ownership and now displayed at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, this 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible offers visitors a firsthand look at the craftsmanship, engineering, and open-air elegance that made the W111 memorable. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, features an extensive collection of classic cars and vintage toys with free admission and parking.
