Talk about Rip Van Winkle. This 1958 Mercedes Benz 220s, for sale here on eBay in Canton, Ohio, has been in storage since 1969, with its six-cylinder engine sitting next to it. I owned a 1959 example of this car, and when running and restored, it’s a truly elegant, fun-to-drive conveyance. But not cheap to restore, and this one needs everything but new seats.
The title is missing, which is more of a problem in some states than in others. The positive elements are that intact red leather interior, an intact (but filthy) wooden dashboard with nothing missing, and all the original glass, without cracks or damage. It rolls.
On the other hand, the engine is an unknown quantity and out of the vehicle—likely, it was taken out for a reason. And it’s very rusty. The owner is realistic: “The parts and engine are definitely sought after,” he said. Certainly, clean original leather seats for a 220S are very hard to find. Mine had these same seats, and they are glorious.
The Ponton model was introduced in 1953, and the six-cylinder, double-Solex-carb 220S was the top of the line—except for the 220SE with fuel injection. They were almost old-fashioned looking from the get-go, with their bulbous ’51 Chevy-type styling, but they replaced the 170 series, with styling that was back to the 1930s. The Pontons were Mercedes’ main production model through 1959. Aside from the 220 series, there were also 180 and 190 trims, and diesel versions. The 190SL (with the same engine as the 190 Ponton) and 300SL “Gullwing” sports cars had a small but dedicated audience. The fintails were next.
Both the 220S and 220SE were sold as coupes and convertibles, which are highly collectible now. The 220S was available with either a four-speed manual via column shift or a semi-automatic “Hydrak” set-up that is a nightmare for restorers. This one’s got the manual, and it’s still in place.
The rust doesn’t look all that bad in the photos, but when the owner says “very rusty”, I’m sure he means it. There are dents and deteriorated bumpers. We can’t see underneath.
A restored 220S is in the $30,000 range, like this lovely two-tone green example available through Hemmings. Unless you’re a skilled Mercedes restorer, I wouldn’t buy this one with dollar signs in mind. Realistically, it’s a labor of love or a parts source. Beg to differ?
In 1971 (at 14) I bought my first car, a ’59 180A (gasoline 4 cyl) with original gray paint and red leather upholstery for the grand sum of $95. I spent the summer getting pine tar off the body and polishing it while my dad rebuilt the motor (had a knock). As it turned out the motor was fine, the knock was from valve train interference. Somewhere I have 8mm footage of me driving it while holding the camera, up and down the front yard. Not sure how I shifted gears, steered and held the camera! This one brings back a lot of memories.
What and or where did the ponton name come from?
Looks like the turn signal lens is missing. Little stuff like that may prove to be unobtanium but maybe through a German source?
I’d clean it up, do the things to make it road legal and put a Chevy inline 6 and automatic trans in it, anyone can work on those. much cheaper to service. I’m not a purist, just practical.
My very first car bought with my own money- a 1962 Mercedes 220SEb- paid $1000 for it that I bought in 1972. 4 speed on the tree w/ 6 cyl. fuel inj.- light blue finish. Drove like a dream. If you buy a Mercedes that needs work you pay Mercedes prices to fix it.
This guys dreaming $9900? Its not an SL I have one in my back yard that runs and I consider it worth around $2000
Wow, want to sell it? A 220S?
1959 190 D. b body. I’m in salem ma
Evidently you’re not familiar with what the engines or the parts sell for.
Not worth my time taking things apart,
When a guy from Canton, Ohio says “very rusty” that’s Northern Ohio’s way of saying the frame has collapsed
Glance over your shoulder as your waking away from the garage.
I had a 57 220S Cabriolet that I sold to a friend about forty years ago. He did a full restoration and he still owns it to this day. (I should have NEVER sold it). The cost to restore it then was considerable, the cost now, would be astronomical. Based on the information you’ve provided, my guess is it would cost way more to restore it than it would be worth once it’s done. Part it out.
Great cars. I owned a 1960 220SE convertible and still have extra engines , transmissions , rear ends and other parts. If any interest I will list them with Barn Finds.
The badges in the grille are not part of the sale :(
Well forget it then.😮