Lot 018: 1964 MERCEDES-BENZ 220SEb SALOON

Successor to the well respected but somewhat staid 'pontoon' range, the W110/111 series was introduced in May 1959. Soon nicknamed 'Fintails' due to their overt American and Italianate styling cues, the new models were built with safety and passenger comfort as a priority. Charged with translating Paul Bracq's elegant sketches into production reality Karl Wilfert (body design) worked closely with fellow department heads Josef Muller (engines) and Rudi Uhlenhaut (chassis dynamics) to ensure that the W110/111 met chief engineer Fritz Nallinger's stringent expectations. Built around a monocoque, it featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a swing axle rear (the latter being tempered by a transverse leaf spring that brought welcome extra composure under cornering). Exhaustively tested on German, Austrian and Italian roads prior to release, the 'Fintail' proved to be so well honed that the factory team came first, second and third on the 1960 Monte Carlo Rally. Introduced in August 1959, the 220SE Saloon was notably refined. Powered by a 2195cc, straight-six engine developing some 120bhp and 151lbft of torque, the spacious four-seater saloon was reputedly capable of 110mph. Finished in beige with a brown roof and tan upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Said to have had one registered keeper for the first thirty-nine years of its life, 'XFX 517B' was reportedly serviced by Majestic Mercedes of Bournemouth until being laid-up in 1985. Only sidelined due to its first owner's ill health, the 'Fintail' was later recommissioned thanks to a brake system refurbishment, gearbox overhaul, new fuel pump, replacement exhaust system and fresh steering joints etc. Further benefiting from a partial respray, fresh carpets and new whitewall radial tyres, it has only recently been driven back from Ireland. Stated to have covered less than 40,000 miles from new, this stylish 1960s Mercedes saloon is offered for sale with its original handbooks and service booklet. PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed by the vendor that this vehicle is fitted with automatic transmission.