Lot No: 319
1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE 'Ponton' Coupe
Registration no. BR-235 (NSW expiry 30/9/11)
Chassis no. 12803720003014
Engine no. 12798320000500
Introduced in 1956, the 220S saloon was one of a trio of new models featuring unitary construction bodyshells employing large, box-section side-members - hence the term 'Ponton' - the others being the 190 and 219. All-round coil-sprung independent suspension had long been a fixture of the Mercedes-Benz range, and that of the newcomers benefited from the newly developed single-pivot rear swing axle. A shorter wheelbase was adopted for the Cabriolet model that appeared in May 1956 and also for the Coupe introduced the following year when the Hydrak semi-automatic transmission became available as an option. Luxuriously equipped in the best Daimler-Benz tradition, these superbly constructed Granturismos were priced some 70% above the 220S saloon due to the bespoke production method, with each panel fitted by hand. Differences from the more mu