1963 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet

“ This beautiful drop-top has benefited from a comprehensive £65,000 restoration at Hilton & Moss. ”
Just 2,729 units were ever built.

Background
"The Mercedes 220 SE coupé is a very fine engineering achievement. Not only does it provide fast and economical transports for four and their luggage, but outstanding roadholding and riding qualities make this a car which is a pleasure to drive hard, and one in which it is safe and comfortable to do so. Furthermore, it has superb brakes and a high standard of mechanical refinement." – Autocar.

Mercedes-Benz debuted four typically over-engineered new models at the Frankfurt Show in 1959 - the 220 SE among them - all of which shared the same basic unitary-construction bodyshell and all-round independent suspension. Longer than their predecessors, the restyled newcomers featured a wider radiator shell, wrap-around windscreen, wider rear window, vertically positioned twin headlamps and discrete tail fins, giving rise to the ‘Fintail’ nickname.

The new 220 SE was the range topping single-overhead camshaft six cylinder, boasting fuel injection and increased compression ratio of 8.7:1, raising maximum output to a healthy 120bhp from 2,195cc. Top speed was a touch under 110mph, with 60mph attainable in under 13 seconds. The 220 SE was distinguished from its less expensive siblings through the use of additional chrome and twin rear bumpers. 

The new model range was generally a better handling, faster, better made car than the outgoing ‘Pontons’, with the option of power steering and Hydrak automatic clutch. 

The latter proved less than popular and a proper four-speed automatic transmission was made available from 1961. The interior was typical Daimler-Benz, with form following function, and was beautifully finished. 

For the Coupé and Cabriolet versions, Mercedes’ go-to designer Paul Bracq was given the keys to the company drawing board.

As usual, he came up with the goods, creating silhouettes that dialled-down the fins and dialled-up the sleekness and elegance.

Overview
Few if any cars are as effortlessly classy as a W111 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet.

Unlike, say, a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow or Corniche convertible, there’s nothing that might be interpreted as being shouty or in any way vulgar about it.

It doesn’t say ‘Look at me!’ in a needy way.

It says ‘Please admire the owner’s exquisite taste’ in a quiet but confident manner.

Designed by the peerless Paul Bracq, the Cabriolet is as stately as a Spanish galleon…and has almost as much canvas to put up and down. 

The car’s very good all-round condition owes a good deal (£65,000 to be more accurate) to a previous owner who wisely entrusted the car’s 2021 restoration to the decidedly upmarket and highly regarded firm of Hilton & Moss.

Their work, and his willingness to part company with large sums of money, have paid handsome and enduring dividends in a car that looks stunning from every angle.

We have driven the car and can report that it drives every bit as impressively as it presents.

It starts, goes, handles, brakes and generally behaves exactly as you would hope and expect from a flagship Mercedes-Benz that hails from an era when the marque built up to a standard, not down to a price. 

We reported back to the vendor that the gear change felt a tad stiff. He informed us that he’d recently commissioned a local engineer to fabricate a new gear lever bush (finding an exact match in a replacement part was proving hard), and said engineer duly turned a bespoke part from Nylatron to a tolerance that would achieve a properly tight, and therefore long-lasting, fit. 

To cut a long story short, then, the gear lever will relinquish its initial stiffness when it’s got a few miles on the cogs. 

Estimate: £75,000 - £85,000

View Current Bid Price HERE