A fascinating example having spent its life in the benign climates of Greece and Cyprus
A single-family ownership and low original mileage make this car all the more appealing
Presented beautifully following a sympathetic a restoration in 2003
The Appeal
The boldly designed W111 saloon arrived in on the world stage in 1959. Its design featured some distinctive rear fin features which soon earned it the nickname “Heckfloss,” German for “fintail.” By the time the coupe, as featured here, arrived in 1961 however, the design empresario Paul Bracq had been to work on the exterior. His treatment resulted in a much softer interpretation of the coupe’s rear with mere vestiges of the fintails remaining.
Our car is rare and beautiful example of the elegant 220SE coupe. It has been owned and enjoyed by a single family for its entire, 58-year history. Its status as part of the family has ensured that its every need has been diligently attended to. A refresher restoration was undertaken in 2003 and the results, combined with its light use in dry climates, we think speak for themselves.
A spacious and vibrant cabin, sumptuously trimmed in soft, red leather
Maintained in a fully original condition following a sympathetic 2003 retrim
Remains a delightful place to spend time with that intangible “special occasion” feel
The cabin of our 220SE is a delight to behold. To rationalise production efficiencies and costs the W111 coupe shared the same chassis and wheelbase as the saloon. As such the interior was considerably bigger and grander than some may have expected.
The wide and deep front seats are almost “armchair-esque” in their proportions and capaciousness. Mercedes Benz effectively created an occasional, three-person bench here by joining the front seats with a narrow squab, with the folding armrest stowing to create a seat back if and when required. The seats are arranged into padded box pleats and appear to be in a fine overall condition.
The rear bench is generously padded too. Although legroom seems a little compromised, this is certainly a coupe that prioritises the transportation of full sized adults over compact and lithe dimensions. It’s part of the car’s innate charm. The rear bench’s condition is certainly the equal of the front seats, too.
Carpets are finished in a “Berber” style wool and are edge bound in leather. These present in a complimentary hue of red and seem to be in a very good overall condition. The front carpets are protected by deep carpet over mats.
The slender, off-white Bakelite steering wheel sits in front of the familiar white on black VDO gauge set. This consists of a large speedometer and tachometer with vertically arranged supplemental gauges in the middle. The column mounted gear selector is a signature feature, and one Mercedes Benz were return to many years later.
The dashboard and other parts of the cabin are punctuated with accents of dark wood veneer and deeply chromed trim pieces, which the seller (although in good order) would benefit of some restoration to get it brand new. The door cards are luxuriously trimmed in red leather with plenty of high-quality, chromed door furniture in evidence.
The boot is positively huge, thanks again to that saloon sized chassis. The boot floor is protected with a fitted rubber mat, but lifting this helps underscore the seemingly sound condition of the underside of this coupe. The full-sized spare wheel, tool set, and jack are also housed here.
Finished in a deep off-white, our 220SE looks long, sleek and eye-catching
The front end is complete with the deep, “Ponton” type grill and “fishbowl” lights
The condition appears to be excellent thanks to diligent and sympathetic ownership
Once again, the looks and persona of the W111 coupe is heavily influenced by Mercedes Benz’s decision to retain the saloon’s chassis and drivetrain for the coupe. In order to make that as smooth a transition as possible, the legendary Paul Bracq was charged with the coupe’s design. Probably more by happy coincidence it is the long bonnet and boot that give the W111 coupe such a distinctive and charmingly period look.
Our example looks great in terms of both bodywork and paintwork and seems to exude a deep, lustrous shine with panel gaps appearing admirably tight and symmetrical. The pillarless arrangement not only looks amazing with the windows rolled down but also gives the occupants a “semi-convertible” experience without the hassle of a big soft-top to contend with.
Looking somewhat diminutive next to the gargantuan overhangs, the period correct steel wheels are fitted with the now familiar domed wheel trims, finished in body-coloured paint and chrome and centred with the big three-pointed-star emblems.
Our owner does note a few small imperfections which are only to be expected on a 58-year-old car. These include the odd car-park ding and scrape as well as a chipped windscreen and cracked rear light lens. The condition of our car seems to have really benefitted from a life in the dry and benign climates of Greece and Cyprus combined with a sympathetic and professional restoration in 2003.DSC_0120.JPG4.21 MB
The Mechanics
The 220SE is powered by the well-proven 2.2L, six-cylinder M127 engine
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic gearbox
This example is reported to have enjoyed professional and ongoing maintenance
With around 120bhp on tap from the 2.2L, straight-six engine, the W111 coupe was more about refined boulevard cruising than traffic light grand prix. That personality, of course, really suited the conservative elegance and panache of this distinctive coupe, perfectly.
Our vendor reports that the car has always enjoyed an ongoing programme of maintenance including that full and thorough recommissioning in 2003. Both main dealers and independent specialists have been involved in that process over the years.
The owner attests to the car running well and performing as it should but feels it would further benefit from more regular use which it hasn’t been getting more recently. The only known issues reported are a disconnected choke cable, a heater which would benefit from a service and some attention needed to the windscreen washer system. The seller also advises a good quality service on gearbox and engine to get it to immaculate order.
Coupes of this nature have certainly seen a resurgence of popularity in recent times. By this nature we mean big coupes which are light reimaginings of their saloon counterparts rather than “ground-up” coupes. This is because they offer an additional level of desirability and rarity and yet remain practical and commodious ownership propositions.
None more so than the W111 coupe, especially in this fine, low mileage, single family ownership condition. It has everything going for it. Great originality despite an earlier restoration, a great colourway and fine overall condition. With original right hand drive and miles per hour clocks this is an example that should hold a particular fascination for connoisseurs in territories that drive on the left. A highly desirable example, regardless of where you live and which side of the road you use.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
