FORT WORTH, TX, September 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Automotive enthusiasts visiting the DFW Car & Toy Museum can experience a remarkable piece of Mercedes-Benz history with the museum's vintage 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible, a rare W111 model that combines elegant design, hand craftsmanship and groundbreaking automotive engineering.

This particular 250SE Convertible, 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. Today, the automobile remains a striking example of the craftsmanship and sophistication that defined Mercedes-Benz grand touring automobiles of the 1960s.

Finished in Ivory, factory reference 050, with a beautifully preserved red leather interior and black convertible top, the 250SE immediately stands out among the classic cars on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Its restoration is particularly evident in the red leather upholstery, nearly perfect dashboard and wood panels, along with the carefully maintained details throughout the automobile.

A Rare Mercedes-Benz W111 Convertible

The Mercedes-Benz 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.

Classic Style With Thoughtful Modern Comfort

The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible retains the elegant proportions and timeless character of the original W111 design. The replacement canvas convertible top and tonneau cover complement the restoration, while an aftermarket air-conditioning system provides additional comfort for modern driving.

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 W111: A Milestone in Mercedes-Benz History

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.

A Mercedes-Benz With a Place in Popular Culture

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.

See This Rare Classic Mercedes-Benz in Fort Worth

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.

Come see this rare 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Convertible and explore the rest of the collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum where admission is always free. Visitors can get up close to automotive history, discover unique vehicles and experience the stories behind the cars that helped shape the automotive world.

About DFW Car & Toy Museum

DFW Car & Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s through his passion for collecting automobile toys and cars. After previously operating in Haltom City, Texas, the museum relocated to its current home in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas 76137, near Meacham Airport and I-35W.

The museum's approximately 150,000-square-foot facility features an extensive collection of classic, exotic, collectible, and historic automobiles along with thousands of vintage toys. The museum offers free admission and free parking and provides a unique destination for car enthusiasts, families, collectors, and visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond.

The DFW Car & Toy Museum is also home to secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities available for events, including car clubs, meetings, and other gatherings. The museum is dog friendly and welcomes visitors to capture and share their experiences.

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