Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Guide Price: €67,500 - €75,000
Beautiful example with stunning Tobacco interior
Apparently very original and well preserved car
One of the last of just 1,112 built
Reportedly in good mechanical order
Rare and desirable fuel injected four seater convertible

The Appeal

The original Mercedes-Benz ‘Ponton’ ushered in a revolutionary new full width style that entirely broke with the firm’s pre-war traditions. Its advanced unitary body construction made it the first of a new breed of cars from the firm.

The W128 was the final evolution of the Ponton style and introduced fuel injection to the range. Available for just two short years, these last cars are particularly rare and desirable. Alongside the high levels of engineering, their interiors are a masterclass in luxury, craftmanship and design. Just 1,112 of the exquisitely engineered Cabriolet were built.

Cabriolet production ended in November 1960, which must make this example one of the last built as it was first registered in late December 1960. Its exquisite cream and tobacco colour scheme is in excellent, original condition, the interior being a genuine delight for the eyes. We are told that the mechanical condition is in good order.

The W128 220SE is a motoring work and this well cared for example would grace any discerning collection.

History and Paperwork

First registered 31st December 1960
Two Danish owners since 2005, the last owner for 16 years.
We are told the car is owned by a Danish classic car enthusiast collector
Unfortunately at the time of writing we know little of the car’s history or maintenance records
The vendor reports that the car is in good mechanical order
He also advises that the condition is unrestored and original
Original factory handbooks and manual included

The Condition

Complementary cream bodywork with gorgeous Tobacco leather interior
Presents as an unrestored car in very good condition indeed
There are some light signs of age around the paintwork but nothing structural or unsightly
Panel fit indicates factory finish with clean, straight lines and consistent gaps
Chromework in very good order with only very light pitting visible to door handles
Factory correct chromework to all four arches and along side swage lines, all in good order
Lights in similar condition with delight detailing particularly to rear sets
Some stone chips visible to front but, again, not unsightly
Whitewall tyres with chrome hub caps and body colour trim fillets
Slight paint deterioration notable to driver’s side rear arch
Stunning interior with acres of high quality dark wood veneers, all in very good order
Lovely and vast Tobacco leather front seats with matching rear bench and door cards
The leather trim throughout is in very good order, showing light patina of age but adds character
Interior chromework and switchgear in excellent order with period radio and speaker
Two spoke cream Bakelite wheel presents well and is factory original
Strip speedo with clear decals and complementary dials in similar condition
Matching tonneau cover and high quality beige carpets

The handsome styling of the 220SE is merely an enticing aperitif to this car’s main course, which is surely that exquisite interior. This car’s Tobacco finish is a perfect complement to the acres of carefully arranged wood veneer that cover the doors, rear cabin area and of course the dashboard. There is a lot of it but it is all welcome, such is the quality of the finish and the delicate style.

The interior is in very well kept condition, exhibiting some light signs of patina but these arguably merely add to this 63 year old car’s charm.

Outside the cream bodywork neatly complements the interior and is in very good, apparently unrestored condition. The signs of age are light and not structural. Overall this is a magnificent car that works as well as a sumptuous static art object as a way of travelling stylishly from A to B.

The Mechanics

2,195cc straight six engine with Bosch fuel injection
115bhp output
4spd fully synchromesh gearbox with column shift
We are told the car is in very good mechanical order

By the time the W128 arrived the Ponton was well established, its boxy style reflective of a reassuring solidity that remains a key part of the Mercedes-Benz’ appeal.

The new car differed from its predecessors in the use of Bosch fuel injection, hence the ‘E’ suffix, which boosted the performance of the 2.2litre straight six to a very healthy 115bhp.

There is some history with this car, although at the time of writing we did not have access to it. But we are told the car is in good mechanical condition and runs as any buyer would expect.

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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]