Mercedes-Benz W128 Ponton Cabrio 220 SE Collector's condition Frame-Off Restoration Note 1- (1960)

Vehicle description

Mercedes was already known in the 1930s for its advanced automobiles with luxurious equipment and was able to build on this history at the beginning of the 1950s. During this time, luxury class vehicles were built in Stuttgart for the first time and the Mercedes-Benz 300 created a basis for many other timelessly beautiful Mercedes automobiles. The vehicle family, later known as the S-Class, was initially dominated by elegant saloons, but coupés and convertibles also found their way out into the world. In an intermediate period between the "Adenauer" and the "tail fin", Mercedes produced the so-called "Pontoon" class, which was only built for a short time in the luxury version W 128. Convertibles and coupes of this series have been produced less than 1,000 times, making them coveted collector's items today due to their rarity and authentic design.

-In this auction, a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Convertible is offered, which is assigned to the W 128 series in-house. It was produced for the American market in 1960 and was first approved for road traffic in August of the same year. The vehicle with the identity number 12803010003495 has been owned by 3 people since its entry into service and only returned to Germany in 2015 after almost 20 years in Belgium and the Netherlands. It was extensively restored in 2011, but still has matching numbers and is certified as a historic automobile. Numerous documents provide information about the history of the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, which has remained accident-free for the past 60 years and will not have to complete the next TÜV inspection until July 2023. A checkbook is not available, but the timelessly beautiful convertible can be handed over to the future owner without restriction and approved for road traffic with the original vehicle keys.

The Mercedes convertible of the W 128 series was completely restored in the Netherlands in 2011 using the body-off process. The body was separated from the rest of the vehicle for this purpose and shines in a beautiful horizon blue shade after processing. The historic automobile enchants with its discreet elegance, in addition, the many chrome-plated components characterize the character of this 220 SE. There are no dents or dents on the exterior, nor could paint damage or traces of corrosion be detected during the inspection.

Steel rims are criticized on the vehicle, which are equipped with the typical pontoon wheel trim rings. The interior of the rim cover corresponds to the horizon blue of the body, in addition, the whitewall tires used underline the character of the Mercedes Benz 220 SE. Like the braking system of the historic automobile, they are in good to very good condition, and no defects could be found in the area of the chassis with its many new components.

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz Convertible was completely revised in 2011 and still shines in new splendour today. The burgundy leather armchairs harmonize perfectly with the light blue exterior paintwork, in addition, a high-quality velour carpet in the same color scheme has been laid out in the vehicle. The interior doors and parts of the cockpit are covered with leather, the fittings are dominated by a combination of rosewood and chrome-plated controls. An unobtrusive black was used to display the displays, and a Becker Radio Mexico was also integrated into the equipment. The vehicle is delivered with a dark blue folding roof as good as new, so that the interior is not threatened by changing weather conditions.

The historic Mercedes-Benz of the W 128 model series has covered almost 59,000 miles in the past 60 years, but has only been moved about 2,000 kilometers since the extensive restoration. The information is comprehensible on the speedometer display, in addition, several documents confirm the specified values. In the vehicle, the essential instruments are fully functional, but the integrated clock and the Becker radio cannot be used at the moment.

A six-cylinder gasoline engine is installed in the historic convertible, which generates an output of 120 hp (88 KW) with a displacement of 2.2 liters and 4,800 rpm and accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in about 15 seconds. A manual four-speed transmission is integrated, which is operated by steering wheel shift and allows a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The engine was completely revised as part of the restoration by a Dutch specialist company and had no defects in the last service in 2020, as well as no impairments are known to the other technical components. The subfloor was carefully preserved and presents itself to this day without welding work in an almost rust-free condition.

As part of the complex refurbishment of the vehicle, all important repairs were carried out and the electrical system was renewed, and finally only a hazard warning light relay had to be installed. The vehicle should therefore not need any workshop visits in the near future, but the repair of the radio would be desirable for an authentic travel experience.

The 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Convertible is a beautiful historic automobile whose design represents the taste of the late 1950s and which impresses with its quiet, refined driving characteristics. In Germany, copies of this vehicle are almost no longer to be found, the nicer it is to be able to purchase such a wonderfully preserved model. The horizon blue paint underlines the luxurious character of this car, which is in good hands with lovers of the Mercedes brand and real enthusiasts who can never get enough of glittering, polished chrome components glittering in the sun.

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