Guide price: ??27000 - ??30000.  
- UK-registered on the 24/09/64 to the first of six owners
- Comprehensively restored between 2009 and 2011 and well maintained since
- The restoration included rebuilding the running gear and engine, recent £2,200 bills at specialist
- The coachwork was attended to with a re-paint in the original colours and a new grille
- Subtle upgrades to the interior include Blaupunkt radio with MP3 connectivity and seatbelts
- Solid German engineering and timeless sixties elegance make these gentle cruisers eminently collectable
The W111/112 series was introduced in 1959 with the slogan “The new six-cylinders – in a class of their own” with a variety of body styles including a saloon, coupé and convertible, cementing Mercedes-Benz reputation for building superbly engineered cars. Engines were a development of their predecessors, the W180/105/128 series, benefitting from modified valve control linkages and straight intake pipes, developing 120 horsepower. The Coupé, designed by Paul Bracq, was particularly elegant with pillarless windows and large glass area. Setting new standards in passive safety, these were the first production cars to feature the Barényi-patented rigid passenger cell with front and rear crumple zones. Safety was also given top priority in the design of the interior. The new models had a padded instrument panel, for example with yielding and, in part, recessed controls, as well as a steering wheel with a padded boss. Also worthy of note was the first use in this form of safety door locks, likewise major contributors to safety in the case of an accident. Between 1959 and 1968 the Sindelfingen plant turned out a total of 344,751 saloons and chassis for the W 111 and 112 model series.UK-supplied and registered in September 1964 and with five former custodians, this 220 SEb was the subject of a comprehensive restoration between 2009 and 2011. Bodywork, running gear and the engine all received attention. It was professionally resprayed in its original colour scheme of Burgundy with a contrasting black roof and finished off with a new front grille. 14” steel wheels finished with chrome and body coloured hubcaps replace the original 13” items, improving ride and handling, aided by powered steering.The interior is in pale grey leather with fixtures and fittings, including woodwork all maturing gracefully. A period Bakelite steering wheel sets off the interior, whilst the car benefits from modern day essentials like front and rear seat belts and a Blaupunkt radio with iPod connectivity. Additional work carried out on an already fine car in 2012 totalled over £4,500. Purchased by the current owner in 2013, adding to his small collection of classic cars, the Mercedes has only covered around 8,500 miles since its restoration. DTV 301B (the registration number shown in the photos has been transferred to another vehicle) has recently visited a Mercedes-Benz specialist where it received a thorough service and brake overhaul. A very usable classic, this 220 SEb is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.