Mercedes-Benz 220SE 1960 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 220SE 1960

This most elegant example was introduced to the market in 1956 and represented one of three new models launched.  The 220S saloon featured unitary construction body shells employing large, box-section side-members and with the front suspension sub frame design a German journalist likened to a pontoon or bridge spanning the engine bay which gave rise to the term 'Ponton'. Luxuriously equipped in the best Daimler-Benz tradition, these superbly constructed Gran Turismos were priced approximately 70% above the original 220S saloon. The first 220S cabriolet was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1955 with the first production cabriolet rolling off the assembly in July the following year.

Mercedes-Benz 220SE 1960

In 1958, the 220 range was updated with a fuel-injected version of the 2.2-litre overhead-camshaft six, becoming the 220SE. Power increased from 106bhp to 115bhp and, while top speed remained unchanged at around 100mph, improvements in acceleration reduced the 0-60mph time by two seconds. When production stopped in November 1960, less than 2,000 220 SE coupé and convertible models had been manufactured. This car was originally supplied to the USA with specifications including rear bench seating, external mirrors, Becker radio, whitewall tyres, sealed beam headlights and the Hydrak automatic-clutch transmission.
These cars were very luxurious for their time and Mercedes-Benz realised that there was a market for a less expensive, more personal motorcar. This was achieved by shortening the chassis of the very successful 220 saloon by 4.7 inches and adding lots of chrome, wood and leather. Still hand-built, these elegant cars were very driveable. The platform for these are very different from their saloon counterparts. There are additional floor reinforcements to compensate for the absence of a roof, the overhang behind the rear wheel is longer and longer doors made for a very appealing look to the car and to save weight, they were steel skimmed over aluminium frames. Lower in weight, with better structural strength than the previous model, the 220 was a better handling car as well.