Wright Auction

A 6-cylinder automobile made by Mercedes-Benz from 1958 to 1960, the W128 is a timeless classic in the world of luxury cars that was sold as the 220SE. Manufactured in sedan, coupé, or cabriolet body types, the 220SE represents the culmination of the “Ponton” style that Mercedes-Benz initiated beginning in 1953 with the W120 4-cylinder sedan, which was sold as the 180.

Evoking the smooth lines and unified form of a pontoon boat, with an absence of running boards, the fuel-injected Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet offered in the present lot was one of 1,112 convertibles produced. Altogether, the 220SE Cabriolet was available for just over two years, from July 1958 to November 1960. This W128/220SE is an older frame-off restoration and is in excellent condition showing few signs of use since.

Featuring a 2.2-liter, in-line, 6-cylinder engine, this Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet is capable of generating 115 horsepower. It is driven by a column-mounted, 4-speed manual transmission. Retaining its original exterior and interior, this car is painted DB 516 Mittelrot (medium red), has 953 black leather upholstery, and a black German canvas convertible top. Throughout the interior of this 220SE Cabriolet, the dashboard (with an inset Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio), door caps, and other handcrafted woodworking are in remarkable shape. The seating and interior trim have Roser surface-dyed leather hides, with Wilton wool carpets and chrome details. A copy of the original data card is included.