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Signal Red Stunner: 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 SEB Coupe

While old Mercedes-Benz models are not hard to find for sale on various auction and enthusiast websites, there are a few qualities that make vintage examples true standouts. Two of the more rarely seen features in the old-school models include a stick shift and eye-catching Signal Red paint. This gorgeous 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 SEB Coupe has both of those qualities, in addition to simply being a nicely preserved example with no apparent rust issues, a handsome interior, and all the small details right, like the color-coordinated hubcaps. This one ends Monday evening and is listed here on eBay with bids to $25,100 and no reserve.

The W111 and W112 lines both offered stunning Paul Bracq-penned designs, and the coupe featured a classic pillar-less look when the windows were wound down. This, to me, is one of the most attractive offerings from any automaker, which is that of a big-body two-door model that has no ugly B-pillar in the way when the main front windows and rear quarters windows have dropped down into the door. The Mercedes of this era also features large chrome bumpers and a distinctive rear window design. Overall, it may not have been particularly fast, but these were cruisers in every sense of the word, and even today it could eat up long highway drives with ease.

Power came from a dependable inline-six drivetrain, with most cars fitted with automatic gearboxes in keeping with the typical Mercedes-Benz customer. In the case of this car, the original owner clearly wanted to make their 220 as spicey as possible, opting for the racy paint job and the shift-it-yourself option. Most Mercedes of this era were ordered in conservative colors, so I would wager better than 75 percent of the coupe models available at a given time are either ivory or black, with the occasional navy blue or olive green mixed in. Throw in the black leather interior and this coupe just keeps getting better and better. The seller mentions it has been in the same family’s care for 35 years, and clearly there was pride in ownership.

The seller also mentions that’s a European-market example, which more than likely means it was either brought over by a member of the Armed Forces or it was a European delivery car that enjoyed an extensive European tour before coming stateside. Given it has the U.S.-spec stacked headlights, the latter seems more likely. I would absolutely convert this car to the gorgeous glass-ensconced European market headlamps, which are pricey but certainly worth it for the visual upgrade alone. The fragile wood trim in the dash is in very good shape, and it’s always encouraging to see the original Becker Mexico radio still installed. The seller claims it is only being sold to illness, so hopefully it goes to an equally loving home and the seller recovers soon.

Comments

  1. Avatar LMK

    As Jeff stated, “eye catching signal red paint” !!
    Not a very common color for W111 coupes or sedans of this era…

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Pat

    That’s a beauty. A high school classmate’s dad had a pale yellow one. Sadly, his dad died a few month’s after buying it.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar lawrence loffredo

    parade car? to me,, most mid sized and large fire engine red cars look like they should be in a parade,,,

    Like 3
  4. Avatar robj Member

    Really nice looking car but to me? Bright, [really bright!] red seems a bit out of place here. Striking? For sure. I just personally think a car such as this should wear a more “stately” color. But that’s just me. Your car, your color…

    Like 5
    • Avatar LMK

      Probably why there are so few of them in this color…

      Like 2
  5. Avatar alphasud Member

    This series has one of the most beautiful interiors. Definitely rivals the interior quality of Rolls Royce and Bentley of the era. However the Mercedes is a much better engineered vehicle IMHO. Looking at the pictures the furniture could use a refresh bit it’s all there and restorable. Love the white steering wheel. So classy! I would own the car even with the over the top red since it’s the original color (I’m hoping) however I prefer a more subdued color like your medium to dark blues and greens. Maroon also works on this chassis.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Gunner

    To me, this styling in the modern Mercedes linage is the most beautiful, Gullwing aside. The reasons stated by Jeff and Alphasud are great examples why. They have such beautiful lines and look like they are gliding thru the air sitting still. There was a gentleman locally that owned a white/white convertible. It was just stunning. I believe that these will increase in value substantially in the coming years. Would love to own one, and I am a classic Detroit Muscle guy.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Located in:
    Chicago, Illinois

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Gerard Frederick

    Teutonic perfection at its best.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    Use your imagination and picture this beauty driving through the Swiss Alps. The red works.

    Like 2
  10. Avatar PRA4SNW

    SOLD for $28,800.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    Gawd this would look wonderful driving in Newport. What a bargain of a price!

    Like 0
  12. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Ended: Jan 10, 2022 , 4:58PM
    Winning bid:US $28,800.00
    [ 35 bids ]

    Like 0

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