Description
Mercedes-Benz announced their all-new W111 Series of passenger cars in August 1959 under the slogan, ‘The new six-cylinders – in a class of their own’.
This was no exaggeration and with increased levels of refinement and cabin space, the sleek Coupe was hailed as a true masterpiece at the time of its launch in 1961. 60 years later, it is still regarded as one of the finest and most balanced designs to have left the Stuttgart assembly line.
With its elegant pillarless design and wraparound windscreens, the 220SE Coupe was intended to seat five occupants in comfort and aimed squarely at the US market. Against offerings from the likes of Cadillac and Buick, it was both the quality of build and perfect proportions that would ensure the Mercedes-Benz would be regarded as a design icon and epitomise the best of 1960’s luxury and style.
The accompanying vehicle Data Card confirms this rare manual gearbox, Left Hand Drive 220 SEB Coupe was produced in September 1961. First registered in the US and complete with original and matching numbers for chassis, body, engine and gearbox the car was imported to the UK and purchased by the current owner in 2017.
Having spent its life in a warm and dry climate, the overall condition was extremely good on arrival but having previously restored earlier Ponton examples, the new owner decided to embark upon a total restoration. With the intention of bringing the 220SEB back to the same condition as when it left Stuttgart some 60 years earlier, the restoration took over two years to complete and the huge collection of invoices and documents from Mercedes-Benz help demonstrate the extent and quality of work undertaken.
Fitted with the rarely specified and desirable sunroof option and finished in immaculate Ice Blue metallic paintwork with full cardinal Red leather interior. The ground up restoration project has incorporated every mechanical and cosmetic aspect and element to create a truly immaculate example.
Upon completion in 2019, the quality of restoration resulted in the 220SEB Coupe being invited to be displayed at Mercedes-Benz World Museum as a first class example of this iconic model.
With every detail meticulously rebuilt to exacting standards, please enquire for further details.
