Mercedes-Benz debuted four new models at the Frankfurt Show in 1959 - the 220SE among them - all of which shared the same basic unitary-construction bodyshell and all-round independent suspension. Longer than their predecessors, the newcomers featured a wider radiator shell, wrap-around windscreen, wider rear window and vertically positioned twin headlamps. Power for these new cars evolved from a 2,195cc SOHC inline six producing 120hp to a 3,499cc V8 churning out 200hp in the 1969-71 280SE 3.5. In its original spec, the 220SE's accumulation of speed could best be described as leisurely, with 60mph coming up from a dead stop in 14 seconds.

This 220SE Convertible, finished in brown with a tan interior, was obviously owned by someone for whom the increase of pace was not sufficient in its factory trim. Man's desire to go faster can drive him to do extraordinary things, and in this case, that involved dropping in the drivetrain and suspension from a 300SE 6.3 under the 220SE'