1963 | Mercedes-Benz 220 SE b

Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Coupé (W111) – The S-Class in a Tailored Suit

If any car embodies 1960s elegance like a bespoke suit from Savile Row, it’s this one: the Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Coupé. Built at a time when people wore ties to the petrol station on Sundays, this W111 coupé combines the composure of a gentleman with the seriousness of German engineering.

A Bit of History – When Mercedes set standards, not margins

In 1961, Mercedes introduced the coupé version of the “Heckflosse” – minus the tailfins. Instead, it featured a sleek silhouette, frameless windows to fall in love with, and an interior that felt more like a smoke-filled first-class lounge than a car. The 220 SEb Coupé wasn’t just built – it was crafted. By hand. By people who didn’t just know screwdrivers – they respected them.

The Technology – Slower than a Tesla, but twice as charming

Under the hood lies the famous 2.2-litre straight-six with Bosch injection. A small marvel back then, a time machine today. 120 hp, offered not with a roar, but with grace. And in this case, with a manual transmission – yes, really. No frantic dual-clutch drama, just well-calibrated shifts handled like a gentleman: with finesse and a hint of reverence.

Californian Exile – Stored dry, never forgotten

This car spent most of its life in California – a climate for cars that’s about as healthy as a spa retreat is for humans. Imported in 2020, largely rust-free and structurally sound. A few cosmetic paint corrections – nothing dramatic.

The interior? A class act. Fully redone in early 2023 by JG Trim: carpets, headliner, refined finish – it smells like a classic, not like a restoration.

What’s been done – and done properly

✅ Major service in 2023: belts, fluids, distributor, spark plugs & more
✅ 2024: injectors cleaned by ultrasound, new wires, coil, seals front & rear, trunk seal, grille surround re-chromed
✅ Fully documented: invoices, service book, Becker radio manual – even the original owner’s manual included

Driving experience – like butter on warm toast

It drives like it just rolled off the production line – perhaps with a little more wisdom, but plenty of grace. The gearbox slips smoothly through the gates, the brakes are crisp, the steering light-footed like a tango dancer. And best of all: the underbody is rust-free and sealed – ready for many more years of stylish cruising.

Conclusion – The tailored suit of classic cars

A 220 SEb Coupé isn’t something you just buy. It’s something you earn. With just 46,500 miles, matching numbers, sorted mechanics and documented history, this example is more than a Sunday cruiser. It’s a gentleman among classics. And whoever arrives in this doesn’t need Instagram – this coupé is the filter.