Registration: ULL 7
Chassis: 180030-7506214
Odometer: 2,053
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• Rare RHD 220 S
• From a 32-year ownership
• Believed to be one of c.20 RHD 220S variants built
• Understood to be one of approximately 1,250 220S Cabriolets built in total

Beautifully engineered and exceptionally rare, the 220S ‘Ponton’ Cabriolet remains one of Mercedes-Benz's most desirable post-war Grand Tourers. Mercedes-Benz had re-entered the six-cylinder market in 1951 with the Typ 220 and 300, both unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show of that year. The 220 featured a 2195cc overhead-camshaft engine producing 80bhp and retained traditional separate-chassis construction. A major redesign arrived in 1956 with the launch of the 220S ‘Ponton’. Featuring modern unitary construction, independent suspension and improved performance, its revised 2195cc six-cylinder engine developed 100bhp, with a top speed of around 100mph. A product of the Sindelfingen coachworks, production of the 220S ended in 1959 after fewer than 3,500 Coupés and Cabriolets had been built, including approximately 1,250 Cabriolets and only around 20 right-hand-drive examples.

This right-hand-drive 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet was imported into the UK around 1985. Clearly stating it as a ‘220S’ on the chassis plate and on the rear boot lid, records on file suggest the 220 was previously finished in Red with the Red leather interior appearing very original and now complemented by an attractive two-tone Grey over White exterior, applied during an older restoration that is documented in an accompanying photographic record. The Benz presents well overall, although there are a few minor blemishes and areas of light damage consistent with use and age.

Retaining the registration number ‘ULL 7’ after all these years, the Mercedes was first registered with the DVLA on 1st February 1984. Records show the first UK keeper as Rudolf Targyas of Whitstable, who is believed to have been either the importer or owner at the time. The second recorded UK owner resided at Archery Steps, London, before it was acquired by the vendor in February 1994. As such, the 220S has benefitted from an impressive 32-year period of continuous ownership in the West Country.

The history file contains a selection of invoices, including ones from Mercedes-Benz and Niemöller Parts of Mannheim, relating to the supply of various components, gaskets and engine covers. There is also a small number of digital images during restoration, on file. Accompanying the Ponton is a collection of historic MOT certificates, a copy of its 1985 V55/5 ‘First Licence for a Motor Vehicle’ document, the original blue V5, an old blue V5C, and the current V5C registration document. A wonderfully engineered and rare Cabriolet model, ready for its next custodian who will be sure to own one of the finest Mercedes-Benz Cabriolets with a rare specification.