Mercedes-Benz 220 SE | 1963

Mercedes-Benz 220 SE | 1963

Highlights:

– 2.2-litre (2179cc) fuel-injected straight-six engine, petrol, four-speed manual transmission

– Professionally converted into a unique two-door pick-up by Bob’s Foreign Car Service in Indianapolis, USA, between 1979 and 1985

– Comprehensive history file with original US title documents and 2013 import and customs paperwork

– Graphite grey bodywork, offered as a rolling display piece for a collection, showroom or museum

The seller offers for sale this 1963 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, powered by a 2.2-litre straight-six engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Originally delivered new to the United States, this “Fintail” saloon led an unusual second life: between 1979 and 1985 it was reworked by Bob’s Foreign Car Service on Shelby Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, into the striking two-door pick-up seen today, complete with an open cargo bed in place of the original saloon’s rear body. The car remains finished in its original Graphite Grey. The corresponding US title documents from that period have survived and accompany the car, allowing the story of this unusual conversion to be traced in detail.

According to the accompanying documentation, the car remained roadworthy in the United States until it was shipped to Europe in 2013; the associated US title papers as well as the 2013 customs and import documentation are also included. Between the documented conversion of the early 1980s and its US origins, a considerable part of this unusual Mercedes’ history can be followed through original paperwork, which adds an extra layer of interest to what is already a one-of-a-kind vehicle. The car is currently not running and is offered as a rolling, static display piece, well suited to a private collection, museum, showroom, workshop or as an eye-catching exhibition vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz 220 SE was part of the W111 “Fintail” (Heckflosse) generation introduced in 1959, a model line that brought unibody construction, a crumple-zone safety concept developed by Béla Barényi, and distinctive tailfin styling to Mercedes-Benz’s upper-mid-range saloons. The “SE” designation denoted the fuel-injected version of the six-cylinder engine, offering noticeably stronger performance than the carburettor-fed 220 while retaining the model’s refined, comfort-oriented character. With its elegant proportions, generous chrome brightwork and spacious, well-appointed cabin, the 220 SE represented the more prestigious end of the Fintail range, and its unusual transformation into a pick-up makes this particular example a genuine conversation piece rather than a conventional restoration project.

2 — Fair. Noticeable wear and aging; drives but has issues.

3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.

1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.

1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Hesse state, Germany.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a German registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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