Description
Mercedes presented the W111 coupé and cabriolet in Paul Bracq styling at the end of 1960. This elegant model could accommodate four adults in total comfort and was equipped with all the luxury features of S‑Class saloons. Initially offered only with the 2. 2‑litre inline‑six engine, it was a comfortable and very reliable cruiser.
The superb example we have the pleasure to offer for sale was delivered in late 1963 to New York to the famous gangster and filmmaker Pasquale "Pat" di Cicco. He was a well‑known figure on the American film scene but also the right‑hand man of Lucky Luciano, one of New York's mob bosses. Pat di Cicco was married to Thelma Todd for a few years (but she was found dead a month after their divorce…) and to jet‑set queen Gloria Vanderbilt. He was also a very close friend of Frank Sinatra, sharing their tastes for nightlife and women. After two failed murder attempts, Pat di Cicco fled in 1970 to Biarritz, taking his beloved Mercedes 220 SE Cabriolet with him. At the end of 1978, di Cicco fell gravely ill and returned to New York where he died of cancer shortly after his arrival. His Mercedes stayed in France of course, and was sold a few years later by di Cicco's wife to Pat's best friend, who kept it carefully preserved until 2003. Then the car was bought by a well‑known car collector who partially restored the car but kept as much of the originality as possible.
This Mercedes is still in fantastic condition, finished in the original Dunkelgrün colour Combination with beige leather and a lovely dark brown soft top. The car runs like a dream, and we enjoyed it on a 700‑km round trip through rural France with not a single problem. The original export document to New York, the French and Spanish registrations in Pat (Pasquale) di Cicco's name, and even the 1963 German International Vehicle Registration Certificate before he left for New York are all still with the car.
This is a very special car, with a great history and in perfect condition. A superb four‑seater cabriolet and a pleasure to drive. And that is what matters to be considered a true classic car.
