1956→1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet

In 1956 Mercedes-Benz began to offer their 220 model in a lavish coupe and cabriolet that sold in much smaller numbers than the sedan they were based off.

From July 1956 until late 1959, 2,178 cabriolets were made alongside 1,251 coupes and over 55,000 sedans.

These cars used the M180.924 inline-6 engine which was one of the last to use regular carburetors over an injection system. The single carb units produced around 100 bhp while the later cars used two Solex 32s to produce 105 bhp.

All the cars used a 4-speed manual transmission, but Mercedes-Benz did offer a Hydrak automatic clutch that used switches in the column shift lever to activate.

In Detail

tags	w180ii, 220s
submitted by	admin
type	Series Production Car
production years	1956 – 1959
built at	Germany
production	2178
price $	$ 7,200
engine	Inline-6
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	Chain-Driven SOHC
fuel feed	2 Solex 32 Carburettors
displacement	2195 cc / 133.95 in³
bore	80 mm / 3.15 in
stroke	72.8 mm / 2.87 in
compression	7.6:1
power	74.6 kw / 100 bhp @ 4800 rpm
specific output	45.56 bhp per litre
torque	161.3 nm / 119 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
body / frame	Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels	RWD
steering	Recirculating Ball
f suspension	Double Wishbones
r suspension	Swing Axle w/Radius Arms
dry weight	1453 kg / 3200 lbs
wheelbase	2700 mm / 106.3 in
front track	1430 mm / 56.3 in
rear track	1470 mm / 57.9 in
length	4760 mm / 187.4 in
width	1765 mm / 69.5 in
height	1530 mm / 60.2 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
top speed	~160 kph / 99.36 mph
fuel capacity	64 litres or 16.90 gal.

 

Auction Sales History

 

1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 S ‘Ponton’ Cabriolet 180030N8506104 – sold for €135,700
This 220 S convertible was bought new from Mercedes-Benz in Bamberg, Germany and has remained in the same family’s ownership ever since. In February 2010 the vendor took the car into his private ownership and commissioned specialists Auto Sauer of Bamberg, Germany to undertake restoration work as necessary. This included a complete re-spray in original Mercedes-Benz Black (40H), re-chroming of brightwork, renewal of the soft-top and all cabin carpets, and re-varnishing of the interior wood embellishment and dashboard. All mechanical components received attention as detailed below. Invoices totalling more than €45,000 are on file.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams

 

1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet 180.030Z.7512620 – sold for $187,000 Limited-production example and hand built in the classic Mercedes-Benz tradition. One of just 1,066 220 S Coupes and Cabriolets produced for 1957. Finished in striking Light Ivory and Tartan Red over dark red leather. Equipped with an ivory steering wheel, front bucket seats, and whitewall tires.
Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions

 

1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet – sold for $120,000 One of 2,178 Produced in total from 1956-59. Older Restoration Showing Excellent. Original engine. Numbers matching per factory records. New Leather and Wood Trim. Excellent Brightwork. Becker Mexico radio. Factory optional Ivory steering wheel. Fresh mechanical servicing. New whitewall tires. Copy of factory build record from Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum

 

 

1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet 180.030.10.9508731 – sold for $151,250 Groundbreaking Ponton Mercedes-Benz. Rare Cabriolet Body Style. Authentically Restored. Highly Attractive Color Scheme.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

 

1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet 180030Z.7511749 – sold for $77,000 Elegant Ponton-Series Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet. Originally Delivered to the US with Borranis and Air-Conditioning. Highly Optioned Example. Documented by Mercedes-Benz Build Sheets and Receipts.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2012 by Gooding & Company

 

1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet – sold for $62,500
Produced from the mid to late 1950s, the Mercedes Benz 220 S(standing for “Super”) capitalized on the company’s engineering and quality resources in a midsized luxury performer that was arguably at its best in convertible form. This brilliantly restored 220S Cabriolet from the Harold R. Wing collection features all new paint and a brand new Red leather interior highlighted by the exotic wood trim on the dash, A pillars and doors. The rebuilt alloy 2.2 liter OHC straight 6 engine has been rebuilt and performs with typical Mercedes Benz smoothness and responsiveness through a 3-speed transmission.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

 

1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet – sold for $143,000

Beautiful Presentation of a Classic 1950’s Mercedes-Benz.* Delivered New to the US. Well-Kept Professional Restoration. Matching-Numbers Engine. Charming, Period-Correct Livery. Offered with an Extensive File of Documentation.