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2008 Shannons Sydney Autumn Classic Auction
Lot
14

1959 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet

PASSED IN

melbourne

Passed In

Specifications

Engine In-line six-cylinder, 2195cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Cabriolet
Colour White Grey
Interior Red
Trim Leather
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

During the latter half of the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz offered a myriad of Ponton derivatives, ranging from trusty diesel-powered cars used by taxi drivers through to upmarket six-cylinder models driven by wealthy executives. The most luxurious version of all was announced at the 1955 Frankfurt Show, with the unitary construction 220S saloon adapted into a two-door cabriolet by Sindelfingen, Mercedes-Benz's coachbuilding arm. The 220S coupe and cabriolet models were incredibly expensive, costing almost 75% more than the equivalent four-door saloon, with the exclusive hand-crafted nature of their construction accounting for much of the price hike. Each panel was individually hand-fitted to the car and the general styling, although similar to the saloon, was actually quite different in almost every panel, along with details like the wraparound windscreen. The folding top of the cabriolet was a typically thorough Germanic piece of design, beautifully constructed and finished, while there was a choice of either a folding rear seat (for extra luggage space) or proper rear seats on the open model. The wood trim is amongst the most lavish ever seen on a production Mercedes-Benz and the chrome trim was made from solid brass. The 220S employed the well-proven M180 six-cylinder engine, displacing 2195cc and most were equipped with a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox although a Hydrak automatic clutch was optional and the four-wheel drum brakes came with servo-assist. After nearly three years of production, the twin Solex carburettors gave way to Bosch mechanical fuel injection in parallel with the 220SE saloons announced in October 1958, boosting power to 115 bhp at 4800 rpm. Always built in limited numbers, the 220SE Coupe and Cabriolet models remained in production until 1960 and just 1,942 were made in total - of these just 19 Cabriolets were originally specified with right-hand drive.