1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE

Its handsome, chrome-adorned ‘Ponton’ styling was aimed squarely at the American market, where it cost considerably more than a contemporary - and much, much larger - Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. Where the Caddy was all glitz, the W128 was understated glamour. Just 1,112 of the essentially hand-built cabriolet left the works, all equipped with the fuel-injected M127 2.2-litre 115 hp straight six engine and a 4spd manual box. Finished in burgundy metallic with extensive chromework and a matching red leather cabin. The W128 got Mercedes’ M180 engine in fuel-injected form, known as the M127. This new-fangled technology pushed the 2.2L straight six’s performance to 115 hp, making it more than a match for the lumbering Detroit V8s. Here it is matched to a four-speed column gearbox.