With its reputation for solid and reliable automobiles well established, the Mercedes-Benz 220 models, internally designated W128, were a definite cut above the entry-level 180-Series cars, which entered production back in the early 1950s. Starting in 1954, a number of six-cylinder variants capitalized on the growing demand among buyers for increased power. The 220 (1954 to 1956), the 219 (1956 to 1959), 220S (1956 to 1959) and 220SE (1959 to 1960) provided abundant horsepower and torque, packaged in the smaller body style. Only the 220S (Super) and 220SE (Super, Fuel Injected) engines were available in the top-line cabriolets.

The 220SE coupe and cabriolet were luxuriously appointed and trimmed, offering many of the amenities associated with Mercedes-Benz’s limited-production 300-series cars. The dash, door finish and other parts of the hand-built interior were covered in wood veneers of fabulous burled grain. Seats and interior trim were superior Roser surface-dyed leather hides, complemented by the highest-quality Wilton wool carpeting. The ultimate W128 model was the 220SE Cabriolet, introduced in 1959 and produced only through October 1960. Only 1,112 220SE cabriolets were built. Priced from $8,091 when new, the 220SE Cabriolet was similar in cost to Cadillac’s contemporary Eldorado Biarritz Convertible.

This 1960 Cabriolet sports a 2.2-liter inline six, fuel-injected, 100-hp engine with a manual four-speed transmission. The factory Black DB040 exterior and Sand Beige leather are very complementary making this Mercedes proudly amongst its contemporaries. This 220SE has recently undergone a restoration and all of the wood was redone by Madera Concepts. This fine example still retains all factory equipment including the original radio, toolkit and owner’s manual.