1965 Mercedes-Benz 220 Series Convertible

The Mercedes-Benz 220SE was introduced in 1959, replacing the 'ponton' car. It was a middle-class luxury car that received a convertible option in 1960. The Convertible and the coupe sibling were built without the rear fins of the early 1960s sedans, which were remodeled without fins in the mid-1960s. Production of the pillarless coupe and convertible began in late 1960. At Stuttgart in February of 1961, Mercedes-Benz made the debut of the coupe, with the convertible following in 1962 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The coupe and the convertible were nearly identical, with the soft-top roof folding into a recess behind the rear seat and being covered by a tightly-fitting bag.

Mercedes-Benz built 16,902 examples of the 220SE coupe and convertible between 1960 and 1965.

This vehicle is a 220SE from 1965. 1965 was the final year for the 220SE. Powering this convertible is a SOHC six-cylinder engine with a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system. There are power disc brakes, power steering and an automatic transmission.

In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the RM Auction sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $66,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011