Lot 29: Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet

One of three new models to make their debut at the 1956 Frankfurt Show, the 220 was available as a four-door saloon, fixed head coupé or cabriolet.  The engine was an uprated version of the 219 unit, being a 6- cylinder, 2.2-litre with overhead camshaft which developed 106bhp at 5200rpm.  There was a choice of manual or Hydrak automatic transmission at extra cost.  In all its forms, the 220 was a refined, handsome motor car and continued until 1959.  Today, as with all earlier Mercedes models, it is the cabriolet version that is the most eagerly sought by collectors and is now proving difficult to find, as fewer than 3500 examples of the coupé and cabriolet versions were produced, and it is believed that just 26 were built with right-hand-drive.Dating from 1959, the 220S Cabriolet we offer here is one of the rare right-hand-drive examples and has been in the present ownership for twenty years.  Following its acquisition in 1987, having been brought back from America, the car was found to be in poor condition and is understood to have undergone an exhaustive overhaul and rebuild at considerable expense.  The work included a thorough mechanical overhaul and the interior was re-trimmed in red leather and fitted with red Wilton carpet and a mohair hood, work being completed during 1988.  We are advised that the car's appearance is to 'Condition 1' with its cream coachwork looking most appealing.  All equipment is reported to be to original specification and fully functional and since the completion of the restoration the car has been carefully garaged and used very sparingly, we are advised.  The interior wood trim has been carefully refurbished and the hood is in blue mohair material and has the correct cover for when it is folded.  All brightwork is reported as being in first class condition and the car is offered for sale due to insufficient use and the vendor's advancing years. Various items of documentation are provided, including a V5 registration document and recently renewed MOT certificate, along with photographs taken both before and after restoration.