For Sale: 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S in Key Largo, Florida

1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet (W180 "Ponton") – one of only 2,178 built

The Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet of the W180 series is among the most elegant open cars of the post-war era. Only 2,178 cabriolets were built between 1956 and 1959 – coachbuilt largely by hand, with a richly veneered wooden dashboard, leather upholstery and the smooth 2.2-litre inline-six breathing through twin Solex carburetors. This example is a well-kept, drivable collector car with solid substance – intended for the enthusiast who wants to drive his cabriolet, not merely own it.

Highlights

• One of only 2,178 220 S Cabriolets produced (1956–1959)
• Delivered new in Koblenz, Germany, on 27 June 1958 – documented by its Daimler-Benz data card
• Dark blue over tan leather with a beige fabric top
• 2.2-litre inline-six with twin Solex carburetors, four-speed column-shifted manual
• Roadworthy, properly maintained and serviced over recent years
• Data card, original owner's manual, period literature and service records included
• Chassis no. 180030Z8509581

Exterior

Finished in dark blue, the car shows the classic Ponton lines to full effect, especially with the top down. Chrome bumpers with overriders, the star hood ornament, fender-mounted turn signals and bright exterior trim are all in place, complemented by auxiliary driving lights with yellow lenses. It rides on 13-inch steel wheels with wheel covers carrying body-colour accents, fitted with BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires (175/80 R13). The beige fabric convertible top has a rear window, and the matching boot cover for the folded top comes with the car.

Interior

The cabin is trimmed in tan leather with perforated inserts and colour-coordinated door panels. Dashboard and door trim are finished in wood, set off by the ivory-coloured steering wheel. Square-weave carpets with contrasting piping and sisal floor mats complete the picture. Instrumentation includes the horizontal speedometer reading to 180 km/h, gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure and fuel level, and an analogue clock. A JVC stereo is mounted discreetly in the glovebox, leaving the dashboard original in appearance. The trunk is carpeted and holds the spare wheel and tool bags.

Engine and drivetrain

• 2.2-litre inline-six with twin Solex carburetors
• 99 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque (factory rated)
• Four-speed manual transmission with column shift, rear-wheel drive
• Four-wheel drum brakes

Service history

• July 2021: fuel pump replaced, rear carburetor repaired
• 2020: exhaust manifold repaired
• 2017: custom-fabricated exhaust system installed

Service invoices are included with the car.

Odometer

The five-digit odometer shows approx. 89,000 km (about 55,300 miles). Odometer and speedometer have been repaired, so the true mileage is unknown (TMU).

Condition

We would describe the car as a driver-quality classic: a #3 "Good" driver on the Hagerty scale, trending toward #2 (Classic Data grade 2- to 3+). In the interest of full transparency, there is minor, age-appropriate wear, all of it shown in the photos: a small flaw in the soft top fabric, a small paint blemish, a minor mark on the chrome trim, a veneer flaw and age patina on the wood trim, and signs of use on the sill plates. The underside, suspension, steering, exhaust system and drivetrain were photographed on the lift.

Documentation

• Daimler-Benz data card
• Original "Type 220 S" owner's manual
• Binder with period literature and sales brochures
• Service invoices

Viewing

The car is located in South Florida and is offered from private ownership. Viewing and test drive by appointment. Further photos, videos and documents are available to serious buyers on request.

All information given to the best of our knowledge, without guarantee. Subject to prior sale.