1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Convertible Coupe

The Ponton series was introduced in 1953 and is often considered the first truly modern Mercedes-Benz built in the post-war era. The 220 had similar quality workmanship to the 300 Series, yet was much more accessible to the motoring public.

This 220 S Cabriolet came equipped with an ivory steering wheel, front bucket seats, whitewall tires and United States specification. On November 4th of 1957, the car was shipped to Studebaker Packard in South Bend, Indiana - the official United States Mercedes-Benz distribution agent at the time.

In the mid-1990s, the car was given a full restoration. By September of 1996, less than a year after the project got underway, the 220S was finished. Over $125,000 had been spent on the car.

The inside is finished in dark red leather. The exterior is a two-tone scheme of factory colors of Light Ivory and Tartan Red.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell for $130,000-$160,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $143,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011