1959 Mercedes-Benz 220SE (Type W128) Sedan

Details

Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europe’s car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!

Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.

In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 Series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six-cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers. It was succeeded by the Type W180 series car in 1954, which like its predecessor was available as a sedan, coupe and convertible.

In the 1950’s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time – the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive.

Mercedes-Benz wanted to build full sized luxury cars that were ‘more affordable’ than the Type W186 and Type W189 300 series cars, so the Ponton range of cars (Type W120/W121/W105/W180/W128) filled that void nicely. The W128 was the top of the range in the Ponton series. It was built from 1958 till 1960 as a sedan, coupe and convertible. During that period 1,974 sedans, 830 coupes and 1,112 convertibles were built, making the W128 one of the rarer models in the Ponton range.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1959 Mercedes Benz 220 SE (W128) sedan.

The data card on file confirms this car was delivered new to the Bayerische Hypotheken und Wechsel Bank AG located on the Theatinerstraße in Munich, Germany. The data card states that the car was delivered on the 26^th March 1959 and confirms that the chassis, engine and body numbers all match. Its original colour scheme was ‘schwarz’ (black) colour code 40 with a ‘grau’ grey interior trim code 008.

Little is known about the early history of the car in Germany and Australia, however, it must have been converted to right hand drive prior to being allowed on the road in Australia. The current owner acquired the car from a gentleman who lived in Lakemba, NSW in 1984. After acquiring the car, he partially restored it between 1984 and 1987. Over the next 15 years he enjoyed using the car and it was seen on a regular basis at various events organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW. Between 1991 and 2000 it won the Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW Concours Class 2 trophy no less than 8 times.!

In 2002 the owner decided to strip the car back to bare metal and repaint the car. All this work was done by his own business, Blue Print Smash Repairs Pty Ltd. There are photos on file showing the car before, during and after the restoration. This time around $200,000 was spent on taking what was already an excellent car to the next level. The car was completely restored to a very high standard and as a result it subsequently won the Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW Concours (outright winner) in 2003. It won again in 2010, 2013 and 2018. It also won the Champion of Champions in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2016!

In 2016 Motorclassica, which is Australia’s major international concours d’elegance and classic car show, celebrated 130 years of Mercedes-Benz. This car was invited to be displayed and whilst it was unlikely to beat the 300SL Gullwing & Roadster and 540K in the Mercedes-Benz class, it did finish runner up in the Post War Classic (Closed) class to a 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint.

Since its second restoration this car has won awards everywhere it has gone and there are some 40 trophies that will accompany the car!

Today this car still presents exceptionally well. Whilst now an older restoration, there’s no doubt that it will still be a serious contender at any concours d’elegance or classic car show.

The car has been sparingly used and it has been cherished and has been an integral part of the current owner’s family for the last 37 years!

Today the paint work presents beautifully. It retains a strong depth of colour and a very deep gloss finish. Whilst the paintwork is exceptional, it is not perfect (there are a few light swirl marks) and to be a serious concours contender again it would benefit from a cut and polish. The condition of the external trim is consistent with the paintwork, it is excellent. The chrome is a real feature and contrasts the black paintwork perfectly. The bumpers, the light fittings and all the other brightwork presents like new. The lights, lenses and the glass on the car are also in excellent condition.  The wheels are also like new and the car is fitted with Maxxis MA1 185/80 R13 tyres all round. There is of course a second set of wheels fitted with Dunlop Gold Seal C49 7.50-13 cross ply tyres which are fitted when the car is taken to any serious concours d’elegance!

Open the door and you feel like you’re being thrown back in time. In fact, time warp back to March 1959 and you can just imagine the manager of the Bayerische Hypotheken und Wechsel Bank AG going to work in his brand new Mercedes-Benz 220SE sedan!  You get an extra sensory overload and just take it all in. The interior is very simple, yet functional.  It is very German. The instruments are clear, in excellent condition and positioned in exactly the right spot. All the important information is right in front of you. The upholstery, carpets and timber are all in excellent condition. The ivory steering wheel and timber (which there is plenty of it!) are a real feature.

After taking the time to admire and familiarise yourself with the car it is time to take it out for a drive. Time warp back to 2021 and you are ready to go! Insert the key into the ignition, turn the ignition on, press the starter button and the engine easily fires up. It settles into a smooth idle quickly and the car is soon ready to go. The 4 speed (plus reverse) column gearshift is easy to operate and smooth. The car is easy to drive and it just goes about its business in that typical Germany way.  We didn’t expect anything less! The car is incredibly smooth on the road and it drives every bit as good as it looks.

This car is accompanied by an original owner’s manual (in German), reproduction owner’s manual (in English), parts catalogue, workshop manual, an original sales brochure, spare wheel, tool kit and jack.

The Mercedes-Benz 220SE (Type W128) sedan is a rare car with less than 2,000 examples built and far less surviving today.  Finding one this condition would be virtually impossible.

Highlights:

• Matching numbers car, finished in its original colour scheme as confirmed by the factory data card.
• Restored twice by its current long term owner of 37 years.
• Last restored in 2002 to a concours standard.
• Multiple award winner with around 40 trophies accompanying the car.
• Trophy highlights: Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW Concours (outright winner) in 2003, 2010, 2013 and 2018. It also won the Champion of Champions in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2016!
• Whilst an older restoration the car still presents and drives exceptionally well.
• Still a serious contender at any concours d’elegance or classic car show.

This car is Mercedes-Benz class and elegance personified. We love it and you can now own it!