1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Convertible

In 1967, our father bought this car for our mother – and for 40 years, our mother was known around her hometown for her prowess on the tennis court and the field hockey field, but most of all, for this car. Our parents are gone and we are all getting to an age where we are looking to downsize and keep things simple. We’d like to find a nice home for “old red”.

She needs work on her paint job and her upholstery but the motor has been maintained. It has been garaged forever and not been used in the past 2 years.

From Mercedes: 106 hp, 2,195 cc OHC six-cylinder engine with twin Solex carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, swing-axle rear suspension with coil springs, and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 106.3 in.

Limited-production example and hand built in the classic Mercedes-Benz tradition. One of just 1,066 220 S Coupes and Cabriolets produced for 1957. Finished in striking Tartan Red over black leather leather. Equipped with black ivory steering wheel, front bucket seats, and whitewall tires.

Mercedes-Benz launched its 220a, the predecessor to this car, in 1954. It represented their new generation of unit-body constructed cars, which was later nicknamed the “Ponton” series, in reference to its pontoon-style front fenders. The 220a, considered by many to be the first modern Mercedes-Benz, was built on a 6.75-inch longer wheelbase than its predecessor, allowing more legroom for the rear-seat passengers and more room under the hood for a 2.2-liter six-cylinder engine. Servo-assisted brakes became standard in September 1955.

When the 220 S was introduced in August 1957, the engine had two Solex downdraft carburetors and its horsepower was increased to 106 horsepower. A Hydrak hydraulically operated clutch also became available as an extra-cost option. The 220 S was a quick car by the standards of the day, offering genuine 100-mph capability.

These lovely cabriolets were produced in limited numbers and hand-finished at Sindelfingen to the highest standards of Mercedes-Benz’s prestige models. Bodies were mass-produced yet finished by craftsman skilled in the art of coachbuilding. This in part explained why the cabriolets cost nearly 75 percent more than their saloon equivalents when new. Unlike the larger 300 S models, the 220 S Cabriolets featured a fully retractable convertible roof, giving them a much sleeker and more modern appearance.

Just 1,066 220S Coupes and Cabriolets were produced for 1957, of a total of 3,429 built over four model years from 1956 to 1959. Limited numbers when new add to their desirability and exclusivity today. This example will not only be the “belle of the ball” at any Mercedes-Benz Club event, but it will also provide its new owner with luxurious top-down motoring for four.