Pity the poor W180 sedan: while its brethren the coupe and the cabriolet leap to successively higher highs on the price scale, the sedan is mired in the mid-teens. Those of us who favor orphans of all ilks – makes, models, body styles – are just as happy to see this, though, because the 220S is a lot of car for the money. Mercedes-Benz crafted its W180 as a luxury version of its four-cylinder W120, an advancement meant to satisfy burgeoning demand for cars after WWII ended. Situated on a 111″ wheelbase (the saloon), it was longer and more elaborately appointed than its smaller sibling. The quarterlight in the rear is a quick visual clue differentiating this car from the W120. Today’s example is a project car with a history showing it changed hands just a month ago; it’s up for sale now at a higher price in Elgin, Illinois. This tip came to us courtesy of Zappenduster – thanks!
The stout 2.2-liter six-cylinder engine is renowned for reliability and longevity. It features dual Solex carburetors, which we know from the prior listing have been rebuilt, as has the radiator. Other recent work includes replacing the valve stem seals and brake shoes. The transmission is a column-shift four-speed manual. The current owner notes that the car should be “gone through” before venturing onto the highway, though it works well as a neighborhood driver for now. The 220S is capable of about 106 mph, and the engine is torquey enough to attain 60 mph in about 13 seconds.
This car was originally imported from Europe – an important matter for the interior: European-delivery 220 sedans were upholstered in either grey or red cloth. (The coupe and cabriolet were leather.) Here, the grey cloth has been covered over with red vinyl. The new owner will need to decide whether to keep that snazzy red vinyl and repair it, or let the grey shine through. What would you do – keep it red, or go grey? The wood dash and door trim are in decent condition; we can see the map pockets sagging. An aftermarket water temperature gauge is installed below the dash.
This photo shows off the lovely fender lines, nicknamed “ponton” styling. The ponton theme had its roots in the 1920s when early designers began experimenting with aerodynamics, but the trend took off in the post-war era as stylists unified fenders with bodies. The handsome, rounded roof and generous greenhouse went hand in hand with the sleek new look. I love the delicate tail lights and chrome bumper – though the over riders need refitting here. The second g0-’round for this car can be found here on craigslist, where its price is now $12,000. For a solid comparable, see this example, with a sales price just over $15k. Does this early Benz suit your style?
I bought a 1957 model just about identical to this bar the seat covers, for 1500. I drove it home, about 70 miles, washed it, and then checked all the electrics only to discover that the wipers were not working. I checked underneath the hood to discover that there was no fuse installed and not having a spare fuse close at hand I fitted a self tapping screw,( just to see if it worked you know) well, it worked o.k. by welding itself to the the fuse holder so that I couldn’t remove it and the car burnt to a crisp! That was in about 1985 and since that day I NEVER touch anything in any of my cars that has ANYTHING to do with the electrics! I learned my lesson in double quick time!
Holy Cow! I am very wary of electrics – voltages seem to run faster, further, and weirder than you can even imagine.
If this car isn’t rusty underneath, it’s a great way to get into an interesting collector car for a reasonable price. I completely restored a similar 1959 220SE (fuel-injected) sedan that a later owner sold for $72,000, but that was an outlier. This car looks to be complete and in decent condition; your biggest expense will probably be the interior. Although these are relatively simple to work on, it will help to find an “old German mechanic.” Apart from the drum brakes, they drive very well, and they certainly have a lot of class.
Of all things/cars my dad would buy….he bought one of these from the orginal owner that lived down the street.
I would daily this in a heartbeat. That red vinyl needs to get ditched pronto.