Lot 1074: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Sedan

"The Mercedes-Benz has not been designed for superficial appeal, to be discarded after a relatively short life when motoring fashions change, but rather sets out to provide a long-lasting means of fast personal transportation. Without contriving any charm of personality, this model offers a remarkable combination of high performance, comfort, solidity of construction and economy of running costs which earns the deepest respect.” - The Motor magazine on the Mercedes-Benz 220.

Along with the 190 and 219, the 220S saloon debuted at the 1956 Frankfurt Auto Show. Like the contemporary 180, the new trio featured unitary construction ‘ponton’ bodyshells, independent suspension all round (at the rear by means of a new single-pivot swing axle) and powerful servo-assisted drum brakes. Powered by an up-rated (100bhp DIN, 112bhp SAE in the USA) version of the 219’s 2,195cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine, the 220S was good for a top speed of around 100mph. A shorter wheelbase was adopted for the Cabriolet model that appeared in May 1956, and also for the Coupé introduced the following year, when the Hydrak semi-automatic transmission also become available as an option. Apart from a power increase to 106bhp (120bhp SAE) in 1957, the 220S changed little in the course of its comparatively short life, production ceasing in October 1959.

This example has the four-speed manual column-shift transmission, bench front seat and optional sunroof. Restored at date unknown, the vehicle is finished in grey with red leather upholstery to the interior, and is offered with old State of Idaho Certificate of Title.