Mercedes-Benz 250 SE (W108)

ABOUT THIS COMMISSION
The Mercedes-Benz 250 SE (W108) is the sort of luxury saloon that rewards those who appreciate the quiet confidence of engineering integrity, rather than flamboyant showmanship. Styled under the watchful eye of Paul Bracq, its clean, formal lines whisper a kind of Bauhaus restraint - restrained, yes, but quietly authoritative.

Under that elegant bonnet lies a 2.5-litre M129 straight-six, a unit that, despite its relatively modest 148 bhp, sings with mechanical sincerity and delivers a surprisingly usable 159 lb-ft, most of which arrives low in the rev range. Performance isn't about outright pace here, though a sub-12-second 0 to 60 mph time was respectable in the mid-'60s, but rather the supple, syrupy delivery through the four-speed automatic and the way the independent rear suspension, a first for Mercedes at the time, glides over imperfections with a stoic grace. It’s a car that encourages you to slow down, breathe, and marvel at the kind of over-engineering that made Mercedes a byword for longevity.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
“Car Fine Art”, is how Dutch Photographer Thomas Boudewijn describes his work. “I love cars and especially their design. Cars are works of art. Subtle lines, smooth curves, angular shapes, beautiful details and materials defining a car and brand.”

“The unique FDL Lighting technique (focused diffused lighting) gives me artistic freedom to create truly unique images and shoot ‘Art on Wheels’.” It’s a tribute to car designers. Using this unique lighting technique, Thomas manages to eliminate distracting reflections on a car and replace them with a silky smooth finish to really highlight the design.

In addition to car photography, Thomas also is working as a graphic designer and food & lifestyle photographer in the coffee industry. Cars are a fixed element in his life. Shooting for a variety of clients, organising Cars & Coffee events and providing FDL Workshops. “I love to pass on my photography knowledge and experience to other photographers, helping them expand their skills and provide new inspiration.