Description
This car is Lot 114 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Bonmont Sale on 29 June, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday 27 June from 13:00 until 19:00, Saturday 28 June from 10:00 until 18:00 and Sunday 29 June from 10:00, at The Golf & Country Club de Bonmont.
Lot 114
1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupé
Registration no.
Chassis no. the details below399
Beautiful original colour combination
Matching numbers (chassis and engine)
Restored in 1985 and thoroughly overhauled in 2019
Offered with Swiss Registration Documents
According to the original delivery note (copy on file) this Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupé was delivered on 10th August 1959 to the Mercedes-Benz importer in Zurich, Switzerland. The original colour combination was graphitgrau (graphite grey, colour code 190) with a red leather interior (code 641), the same combination as today. The delivery note also confirms that the original engine is still fitted.
According to an accompanying report (copy on file), commissioned by the previous custodian, who owned the car from 1984, it was originally gifted to the first owner, proprietor of a transport company in Flawil, Switzerland. For health reasons he sold the Mercedes to his neighbour, who kept it until 1984 when it was sold to another resident of Flawil, who in turn left it to his son. According to the description at the time, the car had been restored in 1985 by Garage Neff of Flawil and resprayed in the original colour using nitro cellulose paint.
In October 2019 the official Mercedes-Benz Classic Center Kestenholz sold the car to our vendor, a lifelong car enthusiast with a keen eye for detail and a no-expense-spared approach to maintenance. The same Classic Center was entrusted with a thorough overhaul of the car, which included replacing the rusty battery tray; painting the engine bay (the engine was removed for this); revision of the braking system; replacement of all shock absorbers as well as rubber chassis mounts and bearings; replacement of the wiring loom; fitting new engine mountings; and a new clutch, etc.
A further service was carried out by Kestenholz in December 2020. An electronic 123-ignition system was fitted also and the seat runners lengthened to accommodate a tall driver.
The last service was carried out, again by Kestenholz, at the end of August 2023. The car has been used sparingly by the vendor, and to spare it long motorway journeys, he had it transported by truck to and from his holiday residence on the German North Sea island of Föhr.
As one would expect, the Mercedes presents very well indeed as a result of such careful stewardship, with the original red leather seats having acquired a lovely patina. Boasting arguably one of the best colour combinations for the model, this 220 SE comes complete with tool kit; spare wheel and jack; the aforementioned copies of delivery notes, specialist report and invoices; an original owner's manual; and a list of Mercedes-Benz service stations in Europe (both in German), both kept in the original plastic pouch.
Offered with Swiss registration documents, this is a stunning 'Ponton' coupé, boasting the desirable fuel injection, ready to be enjoyed by the new custodian.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
