1965 Mercedes 220 SEB
Chassis no. 111.023-10-081259

"In the design of the 220SE coupé, practical considerations have sometimes been given up for better looks, but the car gives passengers as well as the driver a fine feeling of safety, based in fact on first-class road-holding, excellent brakes and precise steering, not to mention the extreme comfort of the wide, well-upholstered individual front seats." – Car & Driver.

Mercedes-Benz debuted four new models at the Frankfurt Show in 1959 - the 220 SEb among them - all of which shared the same basic unitary-construction bodyshell and all-round independent suspension. Longer than their predecessors, these elegant newcomers featured a wider radiator shell, wrap-around windscreen, wider rear window and vertically positioned twin headlamps. The new 220 SEb retained the fuel-injected, single-overhead-camshaft engine of the previous 220 SE, though maximum power of the 2,195cc six was increased by five horsepower to 120bhp (DIN). Top speed was now 107mph (170km/h) with 60mph (97km/h) attainable in under 14 seconds. Coupé and Cabriolet models appeared in 1960 and 1961 respectively, minus the already dated-looking tail fins of the saloon. More modern in style, the luxurious 220 SEb Coupé and Cabriolet were better appointed too, being equipped as standard with a rev counter, leather upholstery and four-speed automatic transmission with floor-mounted gear change lever. Front disc brakes were fitted from the start of production, a benefit not enjoyed by the 220 SEb saloon until 1962. By the time production ceased in October 1965, fewer than 17,000 220 SEb Coupé and Cabriolet models had been manufactured, and today these stylish and luxuriously equipped Grand Tourers are highly prized.

This rare manual transmission Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Coupé was sold new in Switzerland and has enjoyed only two owners from new, having been bought by the current vendor in 1989 when the car had recorded 96,148 kilometres (the current reading is 106,080 kilometres). Finished in blue with beige interior, the latter seemingly original and nicely patinated, the Mercedes is in good overall condition. Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire a rare and much sought-after classic Mercedes-Benz, the car is offered with a Swiss Carte Grise, sundry invoices, and Notice d'Entretien and other original books.