Lot details Registration No: UN-REG Chassis No: 11102122076749 Mot Expiry: None
Successor to the well respected but somewhat staid 'pontoon' range, the W110/111 series was introduced in May 1959. Soon nicknamed 'Fintails' due to their overt American and Italianate styling cues, the new models were built with safety and passenger comfort as a priority. Charged with translating Paul Bracq's elegant sketches into production reality Karl Wilfert (body design) worked closely with fellow department heads Josef Muller (engines) and Rudi Uhlenhaut (chassis dynamics) to ensure that the W110/111 met chief engineer Fritz Nallinger's stringent expectations. Built around a monocoque, it featured independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a swing axle rear (the latter being tempered by a transverse leaf spring that brought welcome extra composure under cornering). Exhaustively tested on German, Austrian and Italian roads prior to release, the 'Fintail' proved to be so well honed that the factory team came first, second and third in the 1960 Monte Carlo Rally. First shown to the press in February 1961 at the re-opening of the Daimler-Benz museum, the 220SE Coupe was notably rakish. Powered by a 2195cc, straight six ohv engine developing some 120bhp and 151lbft of torque, the big four-seater coupe was reputedly capable of 110mph.
Finished in white with brown leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive but Cypriot owned example is reported to have undergone extensive restoration. As well as being fitted with various new panels (including front wings), its body was apparently "sand blasted, epoxy coated and fully painted both inside and out". Treated to an engine rebuild (new crankshaft, pistons, oil pump, water pump etc) and four-speed automatic gearbox overhaul, it is further said to benefit from refurbished suspension (new shock absorbers all round) and renewed brakes (complete with new front discs / callipers). Sporting chrome trim that is either new or re-plated, it wears new lights front and rear. To the interior, its original Becker radio, woodwork and instruments were all supposedly sent to Germany for repair prior to re-installation. Riding on fresh tyres with the further advantages of a new wiring loom and rubber door seals, this handsome coupe's rejuvenation is reputed to have cost approximately £29,000 Sterling (or in excess of twenty-five thousand Cypriot pounds). Whether or not it lives up to the vendor's claims that it is in "perfect condition" with "everything repaired to the smallest detail" is for potential purchasers to decide.
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