1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet

For sale with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
This most elegant example was introduced to the market in 1956
and represented one of three new models launched. The 220S
saloon featured unitary construction body shells employing large. br/>box-section side-members and with the front suspension sub frame
design a German journalist likened to a pontoon or bridge spanning
the engine bay which gave rise to the term 'Ponton'. Luxuriously
equipped in the best Daimler-Benz tradition. these superbly
constructed Gran Turismos were priced approximately 70% above the
original 220S saloon. The first 220S cabriolet was introduced at
the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1955 with the first
production cabriolet rolling off the assembly in July the following
year.

In 1958. the 220 range was updated with a fuel-injected version
of the 2. 2-litre overhead-camshaft six. becoming the 220SE. Power
increased from 106bhp to 115bhp and. while top speed remained
unchanged at around 100mph. improvements in acceleration reduced
the 0-60mph time by two seconds. When production stopped in
November 1960. less than 2. 00 220 SE coupé and convertible models
had been manufactured. This car was originally supplied to the USA
with specifications including rear bench seating. external mirrors. br/>Becker radio. whitewall tyres. sealed beam headlights and the
Hydrak automatic-clutch transmission.

These cars were very luxurious for their time and Mercedes-Benz
realised that there was a market for a less expensive. more
personal motorcar. This was achieved by shortening the chassis of
the very successful 220 saloon by 4. 7 inches and adding lots of
chrome. wood and leather. Still hand-built. these elegant cars were
very driveable. The platform for these are very different from
their saloon counterparts. There are additional floor
reinforcements to compensate for the absence of a roof. the
overhang behind the rear wheel is longer and longer doors made for
a very appealing look to the car and to save weight. they were
steel skimmed over aluminium frames. Lower in weight. with better
structural strength than the previous model. the 220 was a better
handling car as well.

This particular example was originally finished in graphite grey
with cream leather upholstery. matching carpets and burl walnut
wood trim. The stunning condition of this model is thanks to major
restoration works totalling $20. 00 carried out on the bodywork. br/>brightwork. exhaust system and interior during 1979 and 1981. The
graceful styling and exquisitely appointed interiors of these cars
made them the stars of the 'Jet Set' and many found homes with
stars and starlets on the Cote d'Azure and in Hollywood.

Today these stylish and luxuriously equipped grand tourers are
highly prized for their beauty and rarity. This stunning lefthand
drive yellow 220 SE cabriolet started its journey in the USA and
spent the majority of its life in California. Amongst the documents
is the American Automotive Registration Card showing that the car
lived in the Monterey/Carmel area of California until the late
1970's when it moved ten minutes up the coast to Pebble Beach where
it stayed with its last two American owners. After leaving the USA
in 2009. it was bought by a wealthy Japanese businessman and
collector and has only become available recently due to the owner's
passing. 

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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