Highlights
- One of only 192 right-hand drive 220SEb Cabriolets ever produced
- Matching numbers confirmed by Mercedes-Benz authentication letter
- Original UK delivery through Woking Motors in Surrey
- Restored prior to 2005 with new stainless steel exhaust and hood
- Only two registered keepers from new
The Appeal
The Mercedes-Benz W111 220SEb Cabriolet offers the pinnacle of 1960s German luxury motoring, combining elegant Paul Bracq styling with robust build quality and refined performance. These hand-built convertibles were produced in extremely limited numbers, with right-hand drive examples being particularly rare. This 1965 example is one of just 192 right-hand drive 220SEb Cabriolets ever made, making it a highly collectable piece of Mercedes-Benz history.
Originally delivered in white with red upholstery and a black mohair hood, this car retains its matching numbers status, confirmed by Mercedes-Benz's own authentication letter. Having been restored prior to 2005 and stored carefully since then, it presents an opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire a rare and appreciating classic that needs just some recommissioning to be enjoyed on the road once more.
The vendor says:
"You should definitely come and have a look at JGU if you are an enthusiast of these cars. Find another RHD one that needs recommissioning/light restoration. Yes, it requires some work as not a concours or show car at this stage, but what a car - a keeper for someone, worth a lot of money and very likely to hold its value."
The vendor says:
"You should definitely come and have a look at JGU if you are an enthusiast of these cars. Find another RHD one that needs recommissioning/light restoration. Yes, it requires some work as not a concours or show car at this stage, but what a car - a keeper for someone, worth a lot of money and very likely to hold its value."
History and Paperwork
- 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SEb Cabriolet in right-hand drive (RHD)
- One of only 192 RHD 220SEb Cabriolets ever produced
- Original colour: DB050 white with red upholstery and black mohair hood
- Originally delivered to Woking Motors (Mercedes Dealership) in Surrey in May 1965
- Original UK registration: 'HPK 738C'
- Current registration: 'JGU 289C'
- All paperwork and engine/chassis numbers match Mercedes factory records
- Car was repossessed by Croydon Council in the 1980s after being found in a garage in Norwood with no registration
- Subsequently sold to previous owner who re-registered it with an age-related 1965 plate
- Previous owner was a long-term Mercedes enthusiast who has since passed away
- Documentation shows the car has been off the road since 2005
- Was garage-stored alongside a W113 Pagoda
- Logbook showing one previous keeper
- Mercedes-Benz authentication letter included in the history file, which confirms all matching numbers and colour
- 11,025 miles indicated
- Exempt from road tax and MOT
The Condition
- Presentable example, not currently in concours or show condition
- Described by the vendor as a potential "keeper" with good investment value
- Good opportunity for an enthusiast to improve while using
- Interior appears in smart condition with minor cracks and age-related marks
- Needs some cosmetic attention, including engine bay detailing and paint touch-ups
- Front bumper chrome cracked on the driver's side
- A couple of small dents are visible in the rear bumper
- Paint chip on driver's side door near door handle, and a couple of imperfections here and there
Restored prior to 2005 with:
- New hood
- Professional corrosion repair
- Respray, described by the vendor as acceptable
As the photographs attest, this very pretty car is offered in presentable, usable condition, with scope to improve if desired. The hood was replaced during the pre-2005 restoration and remains in serviceable order, while the bodywork, paint and chrome appear in good shape overall, meaning this car could readily be enjoyed as-is if desired. The interior, resplendent in red, still looks smart, with just minor cracks and age-related marks.
The Mechanics
- 2.2-litre straight-six
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- New stainless steel exhaust during pre-2005 restoration
- Reportedly starts first time and runs properly with no unwanted noises
- Recently underwent some mechanical recommissioning after dry storage
- Front coil springs and lower arm replaced
- Some suspension work carried out a few years ago
We're informed that the Mercedes is mechanically sound, starting readily and running well. It recently underwent some mechanical recommissioning after a period of dry storage, resulting in it being in good driving order.
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