Chassis No. 128.030.10.003553

Engine No. 127.983.10.00880

Body No. A128.030.10.00476

This handsome, low-production open tourer from Mercedes-Benz marked both an endpoint in the company's model history, and a beginning: the 1960 model year was the conclusion of production of the "ponton" body style, which pioneered unitized body construction at Mercedes-Benz. In the case of this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet, the future was realized beneath its hood, where its six-cylinder engine is supplied with fuel by an early version of the mechanical fuel injection system developed by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Research on Mercedes-Benz production figures suggests that this Cabriolet is only one of an estimated 1,200 examples of the 220 SE Coupe and Cabriolet built on the W128 platform produced in 1960. When fitted with the Bosch two-plunger injection unit, the "M127" inline six-cylinder engine, with a single overhead camshaft, produced 134 horsepower at 5,000 rpm from a displacement of 2.2-liters-impressive output for its day. The fuel-injected engine is mated to a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission.

This Cabriolet is reported to have received a full restoration in 2009 and as it was in the trusted hands of Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, the restoration appears remarkably fresh years later. The Cabriolet presents extremely well, with Medium Red (DB 516) paint and chrome, owing to the fact it has been driven just over 1,200 miles since its restoration was completed. As expected, the fit of its color coordinated brown fabric convertible soft top, installed by the Classic Center, is also excellent. The beige leather interior, with dark red piping, presents very nicely, with seats showing very little wear.

Since the completion of its restoration, the current owner has continued in the car's fastidious up keeping. With the work completed by Burbank Motors Inc of Portland, Oregon, the car recently had a complete overhaul of its engine in preparation for sale. This job alone totaled in excess of $20,000. Prior to the engine rebuild, records show that a correct type cylinder head was sourced, which the consignor installed during his ownership in 2020. Combining this expense with the other work, the total maintenance expense under the current ownership totals in excess of $50,000

This fully restored Cabriolet is offered for sale with​ ​three pieces of custom-fitted luggage as well as a tool kit and books. The car is further fitted with dual fog lamps, a Becker Mexico radio, and a dashboard-mounted clock. With known restoration history from the most thorough factory restoration programs, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE cabriolet is a luxurious rarity.