1960 Mercedes-Benz Ponton

Produced from 1958-1960, the Mercedes-Benz 220SE was available in sedan, coupé, or cabriolet body styles, and it was the last new model of the "Ponton" style range which began in 1953 with the 180 sedan. It was largely identical to its 220S predecessor, except for having petrol injection, 'Einspritzung' in German, reflected in the "E" in its "SE" designation.

The 220SE featured a unitized body/frame construction and fully independent suspension. All models were fitted with 2.2 L (2195 cc) straight 6 gasoline engines with aluminum head, overhead camshaft, and Bosch mechanical fuel injection that produced 115 HP. An automatic clutch was available with the column-mounted 4-speed manual transmission.

Nearly every interior surface of the coupé and cabriolet was covered in wood or leather, and matching leather luggage was available. However, power steering, windows, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission were not. The 220SE was succeeded by the "Fintail" series.

This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Coupe is from the Berndt Febick collection of San Francisco, California. This vehicle was under a meticulous restoration when the former owner passed away.

Since we believe "A project in motion stays in motion..." We have replated the brightwork and started reassembly of the vehicle. However, we discovered there are a few chrome pieces missing. The bodywork is great with very nice paint throughout. The wood trim looks spectacular and will surely draw attention and comment when the interior is installed and finished.

There has been a lot of money already spent on this car, and it will be a spectacular car when finished.

Produced from 1958-1960, the Mercedes-Benz 220SE was available in sedan, coupé, or cabriolet body styles, and it was the last new model of the "Ponton" style range which began in 1953 with the 180 sedan. It was largely identical to its 220S predecessor, except for having petrol injection, 'Einspritzung' in German, reflected in the "E" in its "SE" designation.

The 220SE featured a unitized body/frame construction and fully independent suspension. All models were fitted with 2.2 L (2195 cc) straight 6 gasoline engines with aluminum head, overhead camshaft, and Bosch mechanical fuel injection that produced 115 HP. An automatic clutch was available with the column-mounted 4-speed manual transmission.

Nearly every interior surface of the coupé and cabriolet was covered in wood or leather, and matching leather luggage was available. However, power steering, windows, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission were not. The 220SE was succeeded by the "Fintail" series.

This 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Coupe is from the Berndt Febick collection of San Francisco, California. This vehicle was under a meticulous restoration when the former owner passed away.

Since we believe "A project in motion stays in motion..." We have replated the brightwork and started reassembly of the vehicle. However, we discovered there are a few chrome pieces missing. The bodywork is great with very nice paint throughout. The wood trim looks spectacular and will surely draw attention and comment when the interior is installed and finished.

There has been a lot of money already spent on this car, and it will be a spectacular car when finished.

Key details
Transmission: 4-spd. Manual (column)
VIN / chassis: 128037-10-002684

Offered by Cosmopolitan Motors, 6525 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Cosmopolitan Motors.