1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 Series Convertible

The upscale W128 Ponton 220 S and 220 SE Coupe and Cabriolet was slated for retirement in late 1960, and Mercedes-Benz was in need of a suitable replacement. In August of 1959, the new models were introduced. Internally designated W111 and based on the full-length architecture of the 220 SEb Sedan, the new models wore styling that were inspired under the direction of Paul Bracq. In typical Mercedes-Benz practice, the 220 SEb Coupe and later Cabriolet versions were given the same engine and chassis components of the 220 SEb four-door sedan. The two-door models, however, did not utilize any of the Sedan's body parts.

The Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Coupe was introduced on February 24, 1961, at the opening of the Daimler-Benz Museum in Unterturkheim. The 220 SEb Cabriolet followed the Coupe with an August 1961 introduction. Both the coupe and the cabriolet featured Mercedes-Benz's four-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. They were luxuriously appointed and well-trimmed with a price to match their elegant countenances. They were largely hand-built and served as the company's full-size image leaders until 1965. The basic body style would continue to live on in 250 SE and later 280 SE forms.

This particular example, a 220 SEb Cabriolet from 1964 is a late-production W111 model that is finished in silver with burgundy MB Tex upholstery and has a black canvas convertible top. There is wood-grain interior trim, a Becker Europa radio, and power-assisted steering. Power is from a 2195cc single overhead cam six-cylinder engine fitted with a Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection system. There is a four-speed automatic gearbox and disc brakes in the front with hydraulic drums in the rear.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014