1965 Mercedes-Benz 220se Cabriolet - Road Tested by Antoine C. - Autosport Designs

--Dark Green with Crème Leather interior, Tan carpeting, Tan cloth convertible top, Rare 4-speed manual, 2.2 liter Inline 6-cylinder, Super condition throughout, Previous collector ownership, Previously sold by Paul Russell & Company.

Mercedes-Benz debuted four new models at the Frankfurt Show in 1959 - the 220 SE among them. Longer than their predecessors, these elegant newcomers featured a wider radiator shell, wrap-around windscreen, wider rear window and vertically positioned twin headlamps. The new 220 SE retained the fuel-injected, single-overhead-camshaft engine of the previous 220 SE. Coupé and Cabriolet models appeared in 1960 and 1961. More modern in style, the luxurious 220 SE Coupé and Cabriolet were better appointed, being equipped as standard with a rev counter, leather upholstery and four-speed automatic transmission with floor-mounted gearchange lever or even more rare 4-speed manual as seen here. By the time production ceased in October 1965, fewer than 17,000 220 SE Coupé and Cabriolet models had been manufactured, and today these stylish and luxuriously equipped Grand Tourers are highly prized.

This final year 220 SE was ordered in America as a European Delivery/Tourist in Dark green (268) over Crème Leather (209) with Power Steering and was delivered in April of 1965.

Early history is unknown, but this 220 SE Cab seems to have been in long term ownership with Dr. Cooper, Connecticut throughout the 1980's and until 1998 when it was acquired by Mr. Brian Bell, Weston, Massachusetts and serviced-maintained by well-known and respected marque specialists, Paul Russell & Company, Essex, Massachusetts. Mr. Bell kept the 280 SE until December 2003 when it was purchased by Paul Russell & Company's, Alex Finnigan and subsequently sold immediately for $45,000.00 to its most recent long term caretaker, Mr. Adrian Van Zon, S. Egremont, Massachusetts. Subsequently is was kept within the Van Zon Berkshire collection, the 280 was only used seasonally by Mr. Van Zon in and around the Bershire's. During AVZ's ownership, it continued to be serviced-maintained by Paul Russell & Company, receiving sympathetic restoration throughout the years, when and where needed. Due to AVZ's Wintering in both, Florida as well as Switzerland, this 280 SE was rarely used, but always exercised and maintained regardless of use to keep in its current exceptional condition.

Having enjoyed a long standing relationship with Mr. Van Zon for many years and with many of his other automobiles, we were honored to be offered this spectacular 220 SE Cabriolet. Now owned by Autosport Designs, Inc., the 220 will be serviced and made ready for its next new caretaker.

With limited/seasonal use, this spectacular 220 SE Cabriolet with rare 4-speed manual gearbox is sure to please, not only the enthusiast weekend driver, but also, the seasoned collector and concours entrant alike. Comes complete with Books, pouch, Tool kit, Jack, Spare wheel/tire and MB Data card.