1959 MERCEDES BENZ 220S PONTON, 45 YRS SERVICE HISTORY, LOW RESERVE, EXCELLENT

Description for Mercedes-Benz 200-Series 1959

This car is a fine example of the beloved and desired Mercedes "Ponton" class of 1956-1960. The 220S was the epitome of European luxury motoring in its era. You know this is a Mercedes from the moment you close the driver's door and hear that satisfying clunk. indicating precision. solidity. Sitting in the driver's seat. you are surrounded with warm walnut trim and soft red leather. With a turn of the key. the 2. 2 liter. single-overhead-cam engine rumbles instantly to life. then hums softly beneath you. giving you the first hint of this grand touring car's driving capability. This is the experience the Mercedes engineers in Stuttgart designed into this model. In this fine example. it's all there. nothing diminished. nothing compromised — just as the engineers in Stuttgart intended. (OK. the driver needs to adjust the heat from the engine compartment. This car IS a joy to drive. or just to sit in. )This 220S drives perfectly. I found it smooth and strong driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike at 75 + mph. hours at a time. The ride is supple. the handling is competent. The engine starts up first or second try. no misses. no valve tap. This motor just says. Go! The steering has very little play. with no pull. left or right. The brakes are strong. and there is no vibration in the pedal when the brakes are applied hard. The clutch has no play and does not slip. The gears shift easily up and down from the 4-speed column shifter. All lights work. All instruments are operating and accurate. including the oil pressure guage. This vehicle is highly original. nbsp; except for replaced mechanical parts. the interior (restored) and front bumper (rechromed). The engine number and chassis numbers match. The body and frame are straight. The paint . just GLOWS. I don't think the paint is original. I am the fourth owner. The car was on the west coast until 1999. California until 1989. than a decade in Seattle. This 220S was subsequently purchased by a collector in the Philadelphia suburbs. who carefully stored it. and drove it rarely. I purchased the car in March. 2014 from the collector's widow. when it was just starting to show neglect. In 14 months of ownership. I have replaced many deteriorated trim pieces. bought back the paint. and put the car in the care of a mechanic at a former Mercedes Authorized Service Center. The car is completely authentic / original. with original owners manual. parts manual. service records dating back to 1970 — and the original tool kit (rare). I have rarely seen a Mercedes of the "Ponton" class with so much documentation. The previous owner spent $7000 restoring the interior in red leather. maintaining complete fidelity to the original. The dealer installed Blaupunkt radio — am. fm. shortwave — is restored and works perfectly. Every mechanical system was replaced or rebuilt. by the previous owner or me. combined expenditures of more than $16. 00. The systems are simple and robust. as evidenced by the 220's rally history. My experience confirmed the reputation: I drove this historic German GT on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 160 miles roundtrip. 70 to 75 mph. monthly. except in salt season. I had a great time owning. driving. and bringing this remarkable European classic most of the way back to pristine condition. Other interests and obligations require me to let her go. I hope the owner completes the last bits of restoration . hope he or she enjoys DRIVING her. with enthusiasm.