Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet Convertible, Silver, for sale in La Jolla, California, price on application.

Background Mercedes-Benz all new W128 series of Coupe, Sedan and Cabriolets were powered by the same 2.2-liter, 6-cylinder engine. In initial form with carbureted engine, the produced just over 100bhp. The last of the special equipment models were fitted with a special high-compression, alloy cylinder head and over-head cam actuation. This coupled with BOSCH fuel-injection saw output raised to nearly 140bhp with a significant increase in usable torque to match. The W128 series of were the last of the "Ponton" MB's initially developed in 1953 with the W120 series of vehicles. Their graceful styling and exquisitely appointed interiors made them the stars of the "jet set" and many found homes with stars and starlets on the Cote d'Azure and in Hollywood. The first examples were available in the Fall of 1958. Production was schedule to end in 1960 but demand saw the final late examples being built in November of 1960 and sold as 1961 models. The 220SE featured a unitized body/frame construction and fully independent suspension. By the time production ended, the cabriolet was priced similar to Cadillac's Eldorado Biarritz at nearly $10,000 making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. Nearly every interior surface of the coup and cabriolet was covered in leather, and matching leather luggage was available. In the S-Class lineage, the W128 was succeeded by the "Fintail" series starting with the W111 line which while not as lavish or elegant would be produced for far longer with the last examples being phased out in 1971. 

A total of 1,974 four-door "Sedans" were completed and only 830 Coupes. Today however it is the 1,112 short-wheel-base Cabriolets that demand the most interest and attention from collectors and enthusiasts world-wide.
220SE Chassis 003842 This particular Short Wheel Base Cabriolet is an original "SE" or special equipment model fitted with all of the late features as well as BOSCH Fuel-Injection from new. It was one of the last examples produced and finished in the Fall of 1960, sometime in late October to early November. It was sequentially the 74th to last of all of the 220S and SE's before production was ended. Approximately 350 Mercedes Benz 220 SE Cabriolets were hand assembled each year during the normal production run from 1958-1960. The last of the 220 SE are equipped with a 2.2 liter overhead cam six-cylinder engine, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and a four-speed manual transmission with shifter on the column. As such, a top speed of more than 100 MPH can be attained. Chassis 003842 was special ordered and sold new as a 1961 model with normal or "standard European" configuration. It was built with the normal four-speed manual transmission and the again standard "left-hand-drive" steering configuration. The upper body work was painted in DB190 or Graphite Grey and the lower body work in contrasting DB40 or black. The interior was standard black, full-leather with contrasting medium dark wood trim. An extremely expensive optional Blaupunkt "world" Multi-Band radio was fitted with hidden ariel. Optional fitted luggage also accompanied the car. Little else is known about the car's earlier history and subsequent owners when it was given an extremely comprehensive rebuild of the entire drive-train and interior to impossibly high standards. The exterior remains largely original but was repainted at some point. Since the completion of the mechanical and interior work, the car has covered just over 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) of easy and careful use. This car is complete with a sales brochure, luggage, tools and some additional spare parts. Please contact us for additional assistance and information regarding the purchase of this most elegant machine.