1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S Convertible

There Mercedes-Benz 220 was an economically important model for the company, comprising the vast majority of cars built, particular for export, in the mid- and late-1950s. The Mercedes-Benz Model 220 was introduced in 1951 and came fitted with an 80 horsepower, single overhead camshaft six.

The commercial success of the Mercedes-Benz 220 saw a new body introduced at the 1956 Frankfurt Show, nicknamed the 'Ponton.' The design featured a slight hint of separate rear fenders with full-envelope bodywork which was thoroughly modern yet still retaining its Stuttgart heritage. In the front was a fully independent suspension with single joint rear swing axle.

The 2.2 liter single overhead camshaft six-cylinder M180 engine, found in the Mercedes-Benz 220S, featured dual carburetion and a higher compression ratio. It was introduced in 1956 and y 1959 power had risen to 120 horsepower. For 1959, just 2178 examples of the 220S Cabriolet versions were built. This particular example is finished in light blue with white leather upholstery and a tan cloth top. It is completely original except for a repaint.

The car is equipped with a column-shift four-speed manual transmission, hubcaps, radial tires with narrow whitewalls, a Becker Mexico radio and driving lights.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at the Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $115,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013