1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 Series

Coupe
Chassis number: 111.021.10.020628

The Mercedes-Benz 220b replaced the 219 Sedan in 1960, and the 220SB sedan replaced the 220S. The 220SEb series was also introduced as a replacement for the 220SE. The 220 SE raised the bar for mid-range luxury when introduced in 1959. Power was from an overhead-cam engine which offered a slight improvement in horsepower. All 220 Series were given vertically-styled headlamp/parking-light units, horizontal tail lamps below sharp-edged tailfins, and wraparound windows in the front and rear.

The Bruno Sacco-designed SEb 2+2 pillarless coupe was an elegant vehicle that featured hand-built construction. Just 13 examples were produced per week and were instantly regarded as a collectible classic.

This 220 SEb Coupe has a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and a Becker Mexico TR radio. It was purchased new by S.C. Pholmann of San Francisco. Mr. Pohlmann took delivery of the car in Europe in late 1961 and drove it on an extended continental tour. It was later imported to California and received a comprehensive, fully documented restoration between 1980 and 1983. In 1991 it was the subject of a cover feature in The Star, the official Mercedes-Benz Club of America magazine. The car also appeared in several Mercedes-Benz television commercials and attended numerous marque celebrations and concours, where it always scored 99 points or higher.

The current owner acquired the car in 2010 who commissioned the installation of a period-correct Behr air conditioner with an upgraded modern compressor for superior cooling.

This car has a tool roll, first-aid kit, jack, spare assembly and accessories.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1959, Mercedes-Benz debuted four new models at the Frankfurt Show including the 220 SEb. All of them shared the same basic unitary-construction bodyshell and all-independent suspension. They were longer than their predecessors, and featured a wrap-around windscreen, wider rear window, wider radiator shell, and vertically positioned twin headlamps. The fuel-injected, single-overhead-camshaft engine of the previous 220 SE was retained for the new 220 SEb, though power of the 2,195cc six was increased by five horsepower to 120 bhp. Zero-to-sixty mph was achieved in under 14 seconds and top speed was now 107 mph.

A coupe body-style appeared in 1960 and a Cabriolet followed in 1961. The 220 SEb Coupe and Cabriolet were well appointed, coming standard with a rev counter, four-speed automatic transmission with floor-mounted gear-change lever, front disc brakes, and leather upholstery. The front disc brakes would not appear on the saloon bodystyle until 1962.

Production came to a close in October of 1965, with fewer than 17,000 examples of the 220 SEb Coupe and Cabriolet models manufactured.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 111.021.10.020628

This Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Coupe is fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox, power steering, and a Becker Mexico TR radio. It was delivered in Europe to an American buyer, and the first two services were performed in Vienna and Monaco. The car was later imported to the United States where it resided in California. It received a documented restoration between 1980 and 1983 that achieved 99-plus point scores at numerous concours d'elegance. An extensive mechanical freshening was performed in 2008. Two years later, the car was given a period-correct Behr air-conditioning with a modern compressor.

Since the 1980s, this 220 SEb Coupe has had three owners.

Power is from a 2,195cc SOHC inline 6-cylinder engine fitted with Bosch Mechanical fuel injection and offers 118 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox, front disc brakes, rear drum hydraulic brakes, and an independent front suspension.

by Dan Vaughan