Vehicle Details
- Year: 1961
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 220S
- VIN: 11101210052703
- Mileage Shown: 88,697mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: White
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Baldwin, NY 11510
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0026887
The W111 series is renowned for classic Mercedes-Benz styling cues and luxurious materials. This third-generation W111 benefits from an extensive restoration performed within the last 10k miles and comes finished in White over a Red interior. Ordered new through Mercedes-Benz’s European delivery program, this 1961 Mercedes 220Sb was acquired by a lifelong enthusiast and Mercedes-Benz Club of America certified concourse judge, who cared for the example for the next 58 years. Driven less than 6k miles since the engine restoration, this 220Sb is now being offered for auction by its seller out of New York showing approximately 89k miles on the odometer.
This 220Sb has been refinished in White (DB-050) from its factory color of Light Gray (DB-140). The W111 series showcases chrome accents, a large front grille, cathedral-style headlights, and a distinctive tailfin design. It rides on a set of upgraded Mercedes 14" steel wheels mounted with General Altimax tires from 2021. Completely re-bodied from an original 220Sb which is said to have been a lifelong rust and accident-free California car, this example is shown to be in excellent condition.
The cabin is appointed with Red MB Tex upholstery complemented by wood trim and chrome accents. Additional details include a White-finished steering wheel with a column-mounted manual shifter, a dash-mounted 220 S insignia, red carpets, and an optional sunroof. Detailed images are provided in the gallery. Modifications include a modern Vintage Air conditioning system and later-model cruise control. The seller notes that the passenger side of the heater core is bypassed, and a spare heater core will accompany the sale.
The 220Sb houses a twin-carbureted 2.2-liter M127 inline-six engine, generating as much as 120 HP to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller adds that the original engine and transmission remain, every mechanical component has been refreshed or replaced, less than 6k miles have been driven since the engine restoration, and 62 years of service items and documentation will accompany the sale.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, a toolkit, spare accessories, and extensive documentation (California plates and MB Club awards are not included).
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $27,500
- Auction End: Feb 10, 2023 08:08:30PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 13
Comments (20)
So did it sell?
Bid in the amount of $27,500
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $24,000
Bid in the amount of $23,000
Bid in the amount of $22,000
Bid in the amount of $19,000
Bid in the amount of $18,000
@Scott_Ales - thank you for the kind words and your question as it gives an opportunity to share the basic history of this MB.
A European specification 1961 220Sb (black/red) was ordered from the US picked up in Europe by the original owner. It was driven in Europe for a bit and then brought to Chicago where it stayed a few years, from there the car followed the first owner to Los Angeles where it was purchased by the second owner in 1964. The second owner used the car in California on a regular basis and in the late 1970's decided he wanted to restore it. As the body had rust on it from being in Chicago early on, he looked for a donor body (as he did not want to do metal work) and found a 1961 220Sb gray/red in Pasadena in 1980 (lifelong California car without rust or accidents). The engine and gearbox from the original car were installed in the new body - it was driven for about two years the way it was and then both cars were completely disassembled in 1982-1983. The restoration was completed in 1996 and the car was driven 1000 miles to the MBCA Starfest in Portland where it won first place street class award (first of several awards) - the last ones being the MBCA Starfest in Las Vegas in 2006 where it won best of street class and received a special award of excellence. It has been driven about 9800 miles since it was finished in 1996 and has had work/service done as it has needed it over the years.
I bought the car from the second owner last year and have driven it about 200 miles since. I cannot stress enough how much of a passionate and genuine MB enthusiast this gentleman was as well as a phenomenal caretaker for this Mercedes in the past 59 years. It was a privilege to end up with this W111 and I hope that whoever is the next owner will provide it the same level of care while driving it and enjoying the experience.
If anyone would like additional details, they are welcome to contact me privately.
My personal view on the car:
I can state with complete confidence that this is one of the best 220Sb examples available at any price that actually can be driven and enjoyed without many of the expected downsides of a 62-year-old automobile.
Considering the fact that restoring a fintail to a high standard will cost several times its value and will take time - this represents exceptional value and an excellent opportunity for the right MB enthusiast.
Bid in the amount of $16,000
Wonderful example and presentation! Could you help with the "Completely re-bodied from an original 220Sb" comment though? I'm confused by the reference on this style of car. Being a unibody example and such rich history.
Thanks in advance..
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Thanks for the positive feedback.
It is an experience to drive, be driven or be around a W111 (especially in this condition) - for those who appreciate it.
The history and documentation of this particular car is exceptional.
Handsome old fintail. These cars have a wonderful ride, very comfortable..
Bid in the amount of $2,500
Too bad none of the awards comes with it. Adds to the story and the provenance
Bid in the amount of $1,961
In 1972 I bought a beat 61 220Sb exactly like this one except black/red leather and no sunroof. I am not really an MB guy but it sure was a great car even though the top front shock mounts were rusted and the engine needed a rebuild. I wonder what this is worth? I have too many cars now to purchase this one but it is tempting. Very nice.