The “fintail” Mercedes Benz 220SE set a new standard for middle-class luxury when it was introduced in 1959, replacing the “ponton” car. The convertible version arrived next year and was a mainstay of the marque for almost 10 years. Both it and its coupe sibling were built without the rear fins of the early-1960s sedans, which were remodeled without fins in the mid-60s.

Production of the pillarless coupe and convertible began in late-1960. The coupe made its debut in Stuttgart in February 1961, with the convertible following later at the Frankfurt show. The convertible was almost identical to the coupe, with the soft-top roof folding into a recess behind the rear seat and being covered by a tightly-fitting bag. Between 1960 and 1965, Mercedes built 16,902 220SE coupes and convertibles.

This car is a final year 220SE. With Bosch mechanical fuel injection, disc brakes, power steering, and an automatic transmission, it is one of the most sophisticated family cars available in its day, and it is also reasonably economical at 21 mpg, with a top speed of 106 mph.

The current owner purchased this 220SE from the Bill Jacobs Collection. Prior to that, the car had been under single family ownership for 30 years, where it was maintained to the highest standards. However, to ensure the Mercedes was up to the current owner’s standards, it was recently treated to a complete mechanical freshening. We understand that this beautiful 220SE is in excellent driving condition and includes the owner’s manual, service books, and records. Painted in the unusual color code of #716 Grey Beige, with a tan leather interior, this is one of the most striking 1960s convertibles on the market.