Estate finds can be fascinating because the unearthed classics can often be buried treasures. Such is the case with this 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE. Its deceased former owner treated it to a restoration around ten years ago. Although it isn’t perfect, lifting its presentation to a higher level would be straightforward. It has seen little recent use, needing a new owner to return it to its rightful place on our roads. The Mercedes is listed here on eBay in Brookings, Oregon. Bidding has raced to $9,900 in a No Reserve auction.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the W111 range in 1959, with variants remaining in production until 1971. The styling brought fins to the table, although these became smaller as the vehicle evolved. This 220 SE rolled off the line in 1964, presenting beautifully in Code 31974 Silver Gray Poly. The seller indicates the car underwent a restoration around a decade ago, and the lack of panel and paint defects suggests it hasn’t seen much active service since. The paint shines nicely, displaying none of the patchiness that often plagues this shade. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the only visible rust is some tiny bubbles developing on the trunk lid. These aren’t extensive, and eliminating them shouldn’t pose a challenge. The seller supplies a range of underside images, confirming that this classic is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. One interesting feature is the factory sunroof, which is rarely seen in these cars. The glass looks spotless, and the chrome and trim are easily acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle.

Powering this Mercedes is the company’s 2,195cc “W127” fuel-injected OHC straight-six, producing 134hp and 152 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, which many potential buyers will find attractive. The automatic transmission is exceptionally smooth and refined, but it does sap engine performance and increases fuel consumption figures. The 220 SE is no dragstrip monster, but cruising all day effortlessly at 70mph is a realistic expectation. The seller indicates that its late former owner maintained the car meticulously. It runs and drives extremely well, but they suggest a lack of recent active service means that performing a thorough inspection and a tune-up would be wise before undertaking any extended journeys. That sounds like a smart move to me!

The past restoration history extended to this classic’s interior, and there aren’t many things worth criticizing. The color finish on the driver’s seat is peeling away, but there are no splits or holes. A specialist might be able to arrest the deterioration. Otherwise, a set of slipcovers or a new seatcover will be in this car’s near future. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in exceptional condition. The headliner is spotless, while the carpet and dash show no signs of issues or deterioration. The seller believes the timber trim was refinished, and its presentation is incredible. The older JVC radio/cassette player functions as it should, and there are no other visible aftermarket additions.

This 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE is a stunning vehicle ideal for an enthusiast seeking a turnkey European classic. Its few shortcomings won’t cost a fortune to fix and could be addressed at the winning bidder’s leisure. The only surprise is the subdued auction action. I typically expect a classic of this caliber to attract more than eleven bids, but I believe that figure might claim significantly before the hammer falls. The 220 SE was one of the star performers in the classic market in 2023, with values climbing far faster than many more fancied models. A car of this caliber should comfortably hit $20,000 if recent sales results are a reliable guide. However, its condition makes a higher figure possible. If it falls short of the mark, it might become one of the first great bargains of 2024. Do you agree?