Beschreibung:

"The Mercedes 220SE Coupé is a very fine engineering achievement. Not only does it provide fast and economical transport for four and their luggage, but outstanding road-holding and riding qualities make this a car which is a pleasure to drive hard, and one in which it is safe and comfortable to do so. Furthermore, it has superb brakes and a high standard of mechanical refinement." – The Autocar. Of course, Autocar's observations applied equally to the 220SEb Convertible, which was one of two luxurious derivatives of the 220SEb saloon that had been launched at the Frankfurt Show in 1959 heralding a style that would become synonymous with the brand through to the 1980s in some form, particularly when its somewhat dated fins were dropped the following year. With the fuel-injected, single-overhead-camshaft 2.2 litre six cylinder engine of the previous 220SE upped to 120bhp, top speed was now 107mph with 60mph attainable in under 14 seconds. Coupes and convertibles were well appointed, being equipped as standard with a rev counter, leather upholstery and four-speed automatic transmission, either with floor-mounted gearchange lever or column change as on this example. This car was acquired by James Ivory's partner Ismail Merchant in the late 1990s at auction. Both filmmakers are known for their fastidious attention to detail in such period films as the Academy Award® -winning "A Room with a View", "Howards End", and the Oscar®-nominated "The Remains of the Day", all of which featured impeccable classic automobiles. James Ivory recalls that Ismail Merchant was always an enthusiastic buyer of antique cars, particularly Mercedes. He had actually attended the auction to part with a 300D Sedan, but this car caught his eye and was to fill the garage space made by the other, an experience many collectors can no doubt relate to. At the time, the convertible was presented for sale having benefited from a 'correct' restoration during a previous ownership. That restoration had seen the car repainted to its original tagged livery of black (DB040), the interior renewed in red leather, and at the same time the headlights were converted to the single pillar European style. A number of invoices for this and work carried out on the car dating back to the mid 1970s are on file. That work must now be more than 15 years old and it has worn well generally; there are a few signs of wear to the paintwork, most notably at the front of the hood shut line. However, the interior shows little use or wear. When inspected by a Bonhams specialist it was noted that the engine bay would benefit from detailing and that the window rubbers were a little dry/aged and probably should be replaced. The black canvas top is in good order and is complete with a top boot in red leather. After Ismail Merchant's untimely death in 2005, the car passed to James Ivory, who has kept it well maintained but does not share Ismail's automobile passion and has had little call to use it: hence it is being offered today. All told, its mileage, which is thought to be original, has risen just 2-3,000 in 12 years. Equipped with period dealer supplied Kulhmeister air-conditioning, as well as a period Mercedes wallet containing handbook and guides, this is an attractively liveried and usable Summer automobile with a distinguished pedigree.