Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz's reputation for quality didn't happen overnight, but
you might be surprised that you can get some of that quality for a
very reasonable price with this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S sedan.
Sturdy, fun to drive, and bulletproof reliable, it's a great
entry-level hobby car that delivers an entirely different feel from
the usual American 4-doors.
Hailing from long-term ownership in a single family, this is a tidy
little sedan that's big on the inside and feels every bit a
Mercedes-Benz. The styling isn't flashy but it gives the rather
small car an imposing look that commands respect, with or without
the three-pointed star hood ornament. Light blue paint gives it a
cheerful demeanor and it's in good shape for being decades old,
showing a soft patina that you can't replicate with anything but
time. Perfect? No, but certainly appealing in a way that only
original cars can offer. It's nicely detailed, as Mercedes-Benz
designers knew that it should look expensive, so there's a slash of
chrome to accentuate the fender lines, the traditional Mercedes
grille, and big wrap-around bumpers that look like they could knock
down a building. These cars rust in some of the most demonic ways
possible, so you'll be happy to hear that this car is quite solid
and aside from a few dings, it shows rather well.
The interior has been reupholstered at some point using bright blue
vinyl and cloth that works well with the exterior paint. Front
buckets are luxurious instead of sporting, which is the entire
point, and the back seat is actually big enough for three. Real
wood on the garnish moldings and dash warms up the interior in a
significant way and the craftsmanship is tangible in every surface,
switch, and door handle. The big steering wheel shows a few cracks
that are all but inevitable, and it gives good steering feel and
nimble handling. The shifter manages a 4-speed manual transmission
with smooth clutch take-up and well-spaced ratios to make the most
of the engine's power. The carpets are excellent, while surfaces
like the rear package shelf show some light fading. Gauges are easy
to read and all seem to be operational, but even in a Mercedes, the
radio was optional. There's also a massive trunk that's quite tidy
and includes a full-sized spare and jack.
The "220" in the car's nomenclature refers to the 2.2 liter
inline-6 under the hood, which isn't a racer but it's bulletproof
reliable. These cars are known to run for a half-million miles with
just routine maintenance and this one runs great. A little choke
and it fires up without drama and pulls the sedan around with
enthusiasm. It's clean under the hood if not detailed for show, but
you can tell this car has been well maintained most of its life.
Parts are still readily available and surprisingly affordable, and
if you keep up with the maintenance, this car will take care of you
for many years. The transmission shifts cleanly and it cruises with
traffic without complaint. The suspension is shockingly supple and
comfortable, making this small car feel like a big car on the road,
and the unassisted steering is direct. Braking is also up to the
standards you'd expect and it sits on 185/80/13 radials wrapped
around stock wheels and color-matched hubcaps.
Unusual cars often make the most entertaining hobby vehicles, and
this 220S remains economical to buy and reliable to own, so you
don't have to worry about all the things the other guys worry
about. Call today!
