1959 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Sedan

Gottlieb Daimler patented the first international combustion-powered automobile in 1886. He then formed the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, (DMG). Soon, Viennese banker Emil Jellinek, having been impressed with the Daimler-built engines he saw in the Paris-Rouen race in 1894, brought a controlling in DMG. DMG created a 4-cylinder vehicle in 1900 and dubbed it Mercedes, named after Jellinek's daughter. For five years, Jellinek had exclusive rights to most Mercedes production and limited the sale to individuals of known reputation. This early combination of exclusively and quality firmly established the reputation of the Mercedes automobile with style, elegance and performance.

During World War II, Mercedes Benz's Stuttgart factories were destroyed. After the war, Mercedes began reconstruction with a limited production of the Type 170 sedan. The profits from these options were reinvested in building new facilities and in designing and developing new models. A completely new lineup of vehicles emerged in 1951 as the 220 and 300.

Produced from October 1958 until the end of 1960, the signature model of this collection was the 220SE. It was offered as a Coupe, Cabriolet or Sedan. In 1959, the 220 SE Coupe and Cabriolet received a 2.2-liter, fuel injected engine. This additional power was a much-welcomed addition to a luxurious, but rather heavy vehicle. It is estimated that during its four year run, 830 220SE Coupes rolled off the production line. This vehicle was purchased by Louis Nippart, heir to the Proctor & Gamble fortune.