1962 | Mercedes-Benz 220 SE b

Grace with Fins – the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sb

With the launch of the W111 series in the late 1950s, Mercedes-Benz captured the spirit of the times. Panoramic windows and modest tailfins also lent the upper-class saloon a touch of international flair.

In true Mercedes fashion, the tailfins were far more restrained than their American counterparts. In Stuttgart, they were known by the more functional term Peilkanten  literally the "guiding edges" intended to assist with parking.

The iconic upright radiator grille, a hallmark of the brand dating back to before the First World War, remained. Yet in other areas, Mercedes was distinctly forward-thinking. The W111 featured a reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones, which were carried over and improved from its predecessor. The result was a level of passive safety virtually unheard of among other manufacturers at the time. Also worth noting is the refined six-cylinder carburettor engine, which delivers 110 hp to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic gearbox and ensures a smooth cruising experience.

This particular 220 Sb was delivered in February 1962 to a shoe dealer in Hölstein via the Bahnhof-Garage in Basel. Remarkably, the original customer service letter is still intact. The service booklet, stamped until 2008, documents the car’s mileage of only 98,011 km. It is believed that Mercedes dealer Emil Werder of Bubendorf acquired the car as early as 1970, though the accompanying documents list his name as a registered keeper later.

Today, this newly serviced saloon from Germany’s post-war economic boom is in beautiful condition. Included in the sale are the original owner's manuals for both the vehicle and the Blaupunkt radio.