FORT WORTH, TX – The DFW Car & Toy Museum has added a rare 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible to its collection, giving automotive enthusiasts a chance to see a remarkable piece of Mercedes-Benz history. The car, a W111 model, combines elegant design, hand craftsmanship, and groundbreaking engineering. It 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, factory reference 050, with a red leather interior and black convertible top, the 250SE stands out among the classic cars on display at the museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Its restoration is particularly evident in the red leather upholstery, nearly perfect dashboard and wood panels, along with carefully maintained details throughout. The replacement canvas convertible top and tonneau cover complement the restoration, while an aftermarket air-conditioning system provides additional comfort for modern driving.
The 250SE was introduced with an upgraded 2,496 cc M129.980 fuel-injected six-cylinder engine, producing approximately 150 horsepower. The combination of fuel injection, refined engineering, and luxurious appointments helped establish the 250SE as an exceptional grand touring automobile of its era. The rarity of this particular body style makes the car even more significant. Between 1961 and 1971, Mercedes-Benz produced only 7,013 W111 Convertibles, and just 954 were 250SE Convertibles equipped with the automatic DB gearbox. That production history places this classic Mercedes-Benz among a relatively small group of automobiles built during one of the most celebrated periods of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.
The odometer currently displays 10,971 miles, with the actual mileage presumed to be approximately 110,971 miles. Rather than being preserved solely as a static collector piece, the car was regularly driven, adding another chapter to its history and reflecting a philosophy of preserving an automobile to be enjoyed. The automobile's body remains structurally sound, including solid door bottoms, sills, wheel arches, and headlamp mounting areas. No rust was found in the spare-wheel well. The chrome remains sound, while the wheels, tires, and hubcaps retain their period appearance. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine runs well, continuing the story of an automobile that was maintained, driven, and enjoyed throughout its life.
The story of the Mercedes-Benz W111 began in 1959 with the introduction of the four-door saloon. The exceptionally styled two-door Coupe followed in 1961 and was presented to the public on February 24, 1961, at the opening of the Daimler-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. This Convertible followed the same distinctive design language and ultimately outlived the four-door W111 by six years, remaining in production until May 1971. The W111 was also significant from an engineering standpoint. It became the first Mercedes-Benz automobile to incorporate built-in crumple zones, building on earlier Mercedes-Benz safety innovations such as burst-proof door locks. For collectors and automotive historians, the W111 Coupe and Convertible are also notable for their construction. These two-door models were among the last extensively hand-built Mercedes-Benz automobiles produced at the Sindelfingen body plant. Compared with the four-door models, the two-door cars incorporated approximately four times as many hand-made parts, contributing to their exceptional craftsmanship and substantially higher original price.
The W111's appeal extended well beyond traditional Mercedes-Benz buyers. Among its notable owners was rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, who owned several W111 automobiles and was so impressed with the model that he purchased one of the final examples built in 1971. The W111 Convertible has also appeared on the big screen. A brown example was driven by actor Kevin Costner in the 2005 film Rumor Has It, further cementing the model's place in automotive and popular culture.
Preserved through William J. Godfrey's ownership and now displayed as part of the DFW Car & Toy Museum collection, this 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible offers visitors an opportunity to see firsthand the combination of craftsmanship, engineering, and open-air elegance that made the W111 one of Mercedes-Benz's most memorable automobiles. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the DFW Car & Toy Museum features an extensive collection of classic cars, vintage automobiles, and automotive memorabilia, making it a destination for car enthusiasts, families, collectors, and anyone looking for unique things to do in the Dallas Fort Worth area. The museum offers free admission and free parking and provides a unique destination for visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond.
