1959 Mercedes-Benz 220SE 'Ponton' Convertible

A departure from their busy design language of previous generations with outsized articulated fenders and running boards, Mercedes-Benz models of the 1950's utilized a more streamlined, monocoque silhouette which flowed from bumper to bumper. These became known as "Ponton" cars, as they resembled the pontoons used by waterplanes of the time. The example we are offering for sale is one of the most desirable cars of the Ponton era, the 220SE cabriolet.

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Mercedes-Benz cars bestowed with the "S" badge have long represented the pinnacle of luxury, power, and technology, and the 220SE is no exception. The "E" stands for "Einsprintzer" - fuel injection - a revolutionary form of fuel delivery first introduced a few years prior in the legendary 300SL Gullwing. It was a pioneering car in terms of safety as well, being the first to be built in three distinct segments that included "crumple zones" to aid in an impact. All of this technology was wrapped in typical Mercedes splendor, with an interior of plush burgundy leather and an expansive dash of uninterrupted, highly varnished burl wood.

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According to the original delivery invoice, which is remarkably still included with the car, it was originally ordered by a California based owner who opted for factory pickup in Stuttgart, receiving the car on June 12th, 1959. According to the fully stamped service book which also accompanies the car, the first owner enjoyed the car in Europe for almost three months before shipping it back to California on September 11th, 1959 where it would reside with the original owners for the next 58 years.

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It was acquired by the second and current owner in 2017 who imported the car to Belgium where it received a no-expense-spared, nut and bolt restoration to return the already very honest and well kept car to completely original, as-new condition before joining his collection.

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With this car comes a lot of original documents such as;
• Original order, invoice, and delivery documents
• Servicebook that has been filled in and stamped since delivery, each 2000km’s
• Datacard
• User's manual
• Export papers
• Registration in the name of the second owner
• Restoration documentation

Options according to the original datacard:
• Color exterior: Graphite-grey DB190
• Color interior: Red 1079
• Color soft top: Black 872
• Sealed beam headlight
• Rear view mirrors
• 4 seats
• Adjustable seat
• Becker/Mexico radio
• Automatic antenna

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