When the successful French businessman Paul Thanry decided to change cars in 1964, he felt that French brands did not offer enough prestige. Instead, he visited the Mercedes dealer Royal-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and ordered a 300 SE coupé—the most elegant car one could buy at the time.
62 years and only 80,000 km later, the car is now in Sweden and for sale at Bilweb Auctions.
Monsieur Thanry had made a fortune in the timber industry, including in Ivory Coast. He could afford to ignore the fact that buying a German luxury car might not be viewed favorably by everyone, even though 20 years had passed since World War II.
Thanry chose an exciting color combination for his Mercedes coupé: black paint contrasting with generous chrome details and a mustard-yellow leather interior. Elegant! He also opted for the largest engine available—the powerful 3.0-liter inline-six producing 170 horsepower.
The coupé remained with Thanry until 1971, when he sold it to his dentist. A few years later, he bought the car back, and it stayed in the family until 2022. At that point, a Swedish collector discovered the beautiful Mercedes and acquired it at an auction in Paris.
The exceptionally well-preserved original condition strongly suggests that the car has indeed covered the 80,000 km shown on the odometer. It still retains its original paint, which has become increasingly important to classic car buyers. The interior is close to new condition and has never been repaired or reupholstered.
Additional details: the spare wheel has remained unused since 1964, the Becker Grand Prix radio originally delivered with the car is still in place, the French license plates remain, as does a plaque from the Paris dealer recommending the use of the French oil brand Labo.
The Swedish owner has refurbished the air suspension, brakes, and fuel injection system, after which the car received Swedish registration almost exactly one year ago.
In summary, this is a highly desirable 300 SE coupé. The combination of low mileage, well-documented history, original condition, and exclusivity—only 2,419 were produced—is sure to excite most Mercedes enthusiasts.
Bilweb Auctions estimates the market value at between SEK 700,000 and 800,000. The auction ends on April 15.
To the auction: https://bilwebauctions.se/en/aprilauktion-3-2026/mercedes-benz-300-se-coupe-w112-54718
