1960 MERCEDES-BENZ 220 SE ‘PONTON’ CABRIOLET

KEY FACTS

• A particularly elegant European classic in superb mechanical condition, which is ready to whisk its next owner off in style.
• Under the hood is a 2.2L carburettor-fed straight-six from the W180 generation model, coupled to a four-speed column-shift manual transmission.
• This 220 SE is from the final year of production, and is understood to be one of only 1,112 examples of the W128 Cabriolet built.
• Registered in Idaho, the car is now located in Connecticut and is offered by a dealer who took the car in trade.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The W128 generation model was the last of the ‘Ponton’ cars, representing a period of particularly elegant design, and was equipped with fully independent suspension.
• While its original engine would have had Bosch mechanical fuel injection, this 220 SE is now equipped with a 2.2L M180.924 straight-six from a slightly earlier W180-series 220 S.
• The engine has been upgraded with twin Weber 32/36 carburettors, which provide more power and greater driveability (though the engine’s original Solex items are also included).
• Its cabin is equipped with a factory Becker Europa radio, and an optional Ivory steering wheel that is currently wrapped in red leather to match the rest of the interior.
• The cabin of the 220 SE was lavishly trimmed in leather and wood, and this car has been refurbished correctly with ‘basketweave’ seat centre panels. It also comes with period-correct luggage for the trunk.
• Prior service history documents are limited as these were not kept by the previous owner, but the car is presented in very good order.

CONDITION

• Its repainted Light Yellow paintwork is described as being in excellent condition, with the seller noting a small crack in the paint on the hood near the grille, two small paint chips on the outer edge of the driver’s side door, and one small mark on the inner edge of the driver side door. The photo gallery illustrates the impressive finish, as well as revealing the fantastic condition of the underbody and floors.
• Inside, lashings of red leather cover the front and rear seats, door panels, and the lower dashboard. It was fully re-trimmed during the previous owner’s tenure, and it presents in virtually as-new condition with no wear to speak of.
• The dark red carpets have also been replaced, and the burr wood trims have been refurbished, presenting with a wonderfully glossy finish. While a few of the metal elements have been left original to add a dash of ‘patina’, the rest of the brightwork has been restored.
• There are no known electrical faults.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Last serviced in February 2021 at 85,900 miles, this was an engine oil change at Automotive Restorations, Inc., which also included tuning of the Weber carburettors, some wiring work to clean up the engine bay, new fuel lines, and repairs to the radio.
• It is covered by a valid state inspection certificate, which expires in May 2023.

SUMMARY

A true connoisseur’s classic, this W128-series Mercedes-Benz 220 SE ‘Ponton’ Cabriolet is a rare and sophisticated motor car, which makes a fine choice for weekend road trips or even grand touring across borders. This example is fitted with the earlier twin-carburettor M180 straight-six, and is offered in fantastic restored condition, ready to impress its driver and passengers with its impressive refinement and elegant detailing.

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