Cool roof line! Yeah, but there’s a bit more to this 1959 Mercedes 220S than attractive lines. It’s definitely rough around the edges, but this Benz is one to examine! Found in Riverside, California, this project Mercedes is available here on eBay for an opening bid of $5,000.

Research indicates that this Mercedes coupe is a member of the W180 series, which was offered for sale between 1954 and 1959. Body styles included two-door coupes, cabriolets, and four-door sedans. The 220S, such as our subject, was produced between ’56 and ’59, with the Cabriolet and coupe accounting for approximately 3,400 copies. The seller claims that this four-seater has been parked, in storage, since 1979, and this is its first time up for sale. He adds, “Photographs tell it all, minimal rust primarily rear floor board behind the driver seat.” Back to that storage matter, it would seem that the storage was outside – at least, observing the condition of the horizontal surfaces. Of course, I suppose the deterioration could have occurred before ’79, before this Benz embarked on its big sleep. Besides the faded finish and dull chrome bits, there are some rust streams and maybe worse hiding in lower body panel pockets and behind the stainless trim. It’s not as bad as a Liberian tanker, but if I were interested, I’d want to take a very detailed look at this car’s overall integrity. There’s an embedded YouTube video of the underside that can be found here, and it will give you a complete bottom-side look, illustrating the rear floor rust damage referenced in the listing. Beyond that, and the usual surface rust, the structure appears to be sound.

Faux pas of faux pas is the failure to show an image of the engine, especially when the seller states, “Currently not running I have not tried to start it.” I prefer to skip reviews on cars where the listing fails to provide what is conceivably a car’s most critical component – it always seems hinky to me. Anyway, what should be behind the undamaged and distinctive M-B grill is a 120 HP, 2.2 liter, in-line, six-cylinder powerplant that drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission (four-on-the-tree?) What is or could be wrong with the prime mover is anyone’s guess, and an inquiry will be necessary.

The interior is in better condition than I would have anticipated. The carpet is shot, no surprise there, but the seating upholstery is mostly intact save for a backrest seam split. All of the wood trim is still intact, though a refinishing would be in order and, surprise of surprises, an aftermarket A/C unit has been installed.

Well, cool roof line or not, it’s going to take more than just that to move this Benz along. Still, it’s an intriguing find – it’s a low-volume model and would have a fabulous bearing if fully restored. The zero bid situation with two days to go is telling, but hopefully, the seller and a buyer can come to terms, and this 220S can experience a new lease on life. Anyone interested?