Mercedes 220SE Cabriolet

History

Introduced in mid-1959, the Mercedes-Benz W111 series was nicknamed the 'Fintail' range after the distinctive rear-end which had raised rear wing tops designed to appeal to a US market that had gone fin-crazy at the time – though it has to be said that the Mercedes fins are mercifully muted compared to a Cadillac or Buick from the same era.

The tailfins were reduced still further on the two-door Coupe and Cabriolet models, which had a much sleeker look and are highly sought after today. Made with immensely strong unitary construction body shells and the first cars to have built in crumple zones, they were famously safe and sturdy machines. Initially available with either a 2.2 or 3-litre single overhead cam straight-six engine, the cars had all independent suspension and all round disc brakes from 1962 on. The fuel-injected 220SE produced 134bhp which gave it a top speed of 108mph and a 0-60 time of 12.8 seconds.

First registered on 1st January 1965, this manual gearbox 220SE Cabriolet comes with a stamped up service book containing 15 service stamps from 1970 when it had covered 36,000 miles to 1998 when it had 97,000 miles on the clock. There is also an RAC inspection report from 1972 and bills for many trim parts in 1992 suggesting that it was restored at this time. It is said to have been treated to a £30,000 restoration some years ago, though there are insufficient bills in the history file to confirm this. It has certainly had a new hood recently fitted and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale. Still on its nice original number plate, CUT 3C, it would appear to be an awful lot of car for the guide price suggested today – bearing in mind that top examples of this desirable model have been known to fetch over double that amount.