Highlights

Italian registration with exceptionally documented history dating back to 1957
Matching numbers example (matching chassis and engine)
Official ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) Historic Identity Certificate
Original Graphite Grey (190G) exterior with Brown leather interior
Original Italian registration booklet, owner's manual and extensive historical documentation included
Long-term Italian ownership with documented provenance
Official Mercedes-Benz Italy factory certification and technical approval documents
Seller can assist with worldwide transport and shipping

The Appeal

The W180 220S Cabriolet A is among the most elegant open-top motorcars of the 1950s. With its graceful Ponton bodywork, refined inline-six engine, and generous five-seat accommodation, it represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's post-war grand touring philosophy and, in many respects, set out the blueprint for the marque's future.

This particular car has spent its entire life in Italy, first registered in Venice on 1 January 1957 and remaining on Italian plates ever since. It is a confirmed matching numbers example, retaining its original factory colour combination of Graphite Grey over Brown leather. From new it was specified with options including a Becker radio, whitewall tyres and a dashboard clock. Mercedes-Benz Italy has issued official certificates confirming the factory five-seat configuration and approving alternative tyre sizes, adding further depth to the paper trail.

The accompanying documentation is notably comprehensive: the original Italian registration booklet, original red registration wallet, ASI Historic Identity Certificate, Mercedes-Benz owner's manual, official Mercedes-Benz Italy correspondence, PRA ownership certificate and a wealth of supporting historical paperwork are all included. The PRA certificate confirms a clean ownership record with no registered liens or mortgages. Few W180 Ponton Convertibles can claim such a continuous documentary history.

The vendor advises that assistance with worldwide transport and shipping can be arranged.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1 January 1957 in Venice (Venezia), Italy
Four registered keepers in total, with the current keeper since April 2014
Full ownership history is known and recorded
Matching chassis number 180030N7511178 and engine number 180940-059515
The vehicle is reported to be registered with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI Historic Identity Certificate No. 11727, Classification Type A, Group 3, first issued 18 October 1999; duplicate issued 31 January 2017)
Italian PRA ownership certificate issued 9 September 2014, confirming no mortgages or liens
Original Italian registration booklet (Carta di Circolazione) and original red registration wallet included
Mercedes-Benz Italy official seating configuration certificate (issued 28 July 2009)
Mercedes-Benz Italy official tyre approval letter (issued 23 February 2009)
Mercedes-Benz Italy technical approval letter included
Mercedes-Benz Type 220 S owner's manual included
Italian roadworthiness inspections (revisioni) recorded in the registration booklet: February 1988, February 1991 and March 1996 (all expired)
Factory options include Becker radio (450 DM), whitewall tyres (250 DM) and dashboard clock (100 DM)
Historical postal payment receipts and ownership paperwork included
Odometer shows 16,712 kilometres
Italian registration

The original Italian registration booklet (Carta di Circolazione) is still present.

It confirms:

First registration in 1957
Province of registration: Venice (Venezia)
Italian registration:
VE 365294
Chassis:
180030N7511178
Engine:
2195 cc
6 cylinders
80 mm bore
72.8 mm stroke
4-speed manual gearbox
5 seats

The original blue registration booklet is included together with the later replacement documentation.

The vehicle comes with an exceptionally complete historical file consisting of:

Original Italian registration booklet (Carta di Circolazione)
Original red registration wallet
Original historic registration annotations
Original ownership entries
Italian PRA ownership certificate
ASI Historic Identity Certificate
Duplicate ASI certificate (2017)
Mercedes-Benz Italy seating certificate
Mercedes-Benz Italy tyre approval letter
Mercedes-Benz Italy technical approval letter
Original maintenance handbook (Mercedes-Benz Type 220 S)
Original government inspection stamps
Historical postal payment receipts
Historical ownership paperwork

The Condition

Graphite Grey (190G) exterior
Brown leather interior upholstery with matching leather door panels
Canvas folding soft top
Steel body construction
Chrome front and rear bumpers with overriders
Chrome grille with Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star emblem
Chrome headlamp surrounds, window surrounds, door handles and exterior mirrors
Chrome wheel covers (full hubcaps) on steel wheels
Ivory-coloured steering wheel with chrome horn ring
Wood dashboard trim
Carpeted interior
Sun visors, coat hooks and parcel shelf behind rear seats
Prospective buyers are encouraged to study the photographs carefully and arrange a viewing where possible

The handsome Ponton bodywork of the 220S remains utterly iconic - perhaps one of the best-known in '50s automotive design. With its subtle curves, big grille and handsome contrasting chrome, this example is a fitting ambassador for Fritz Nallinger's eye for artistic, distinguished yet decidedly unfussy design.

There's plenty of period character to this car, and plenty of originality - we've little doubt it'll prove very evocative and attractive for the dedicated enthusiast.

The Mechanics

2,195 cc inline six-cylinder engine producing 84 HP
Four-speed fully synchronised manual transmission
Twin Solex carburettors
Rear-wheel drive
Independent front suspension
Swing-axle rear suspension
Hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners
Hydraulic clutch
Recirculating ball steering
12-volt electrical system with generator (dynamo)
Mechanical fuel pump
Cabin heating system with windscreen demister

The 220S is hardly a speed demon, but it's eminently drivable. Mercedes-Benz' eye for solid endurance and well-built engines is proudly on display here, with the hardware all true-to-factory, and looking in fine order. The 84BHP straight-six is reportedly in good running order and is a matching numbers unit.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

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