Basic information and history

With the W111, Mercedes-Benz introduced in 1959 the body style that became popularly known as Heckflosse, or fintail, with its discreetly upswept rear wings. The construction was advanced for its time, featuring a safety body, deformation zones and a rigid passenger cell — principles laid down by Béla Barényi that would define the brand for decades to come.

220 Sb was positioned between the simpler 220 b and the top model 220 SEb, drawing its power from the well-known M180 2.2-litre six-cylinder, a naturally aspirated four-stroke engine with twin carburettors. The combination of smooth running, ample torque and a strikingly roomy cabin made the model a well-regarded touring car, and a well-preserved 220 Sb of the 1964 model year is today a sought-after entry point into the classic Mercedes world.

The vehicle was sold new in Sweden and has had a total of three owners. According to the seller, the car had the same owner for 50 years before the current owner, contributing to an unusually cohesive history. The odometer reading is 64,280 km, a figure the seller cannot guarantee. During the current ownership period, the vehicle has been used only sparingly, approximately 500 km. The car is exempt from inspection and is said to be drivable in its current condition. The vehicle is sold by a dealer, without deductible VAT and without any loans.

Equipment and options

• Sunroof
• US-spec lights
• Converted to automatic transmission, floor-mounted selector
• Newer stereo fitted beneath the dashboard
• Speakers in front door panels
• Original cassette player fitted, function unknown
• Tow hitch

The vehicle is not in original condition. The most extensive change is the conversion from manual to automatic transmission with a floor-mounted selector. Furthermore, the wheels are not original, and headrests have been retrofitted to the front seats, which required holes to be cut into the seat backs. The headrests are not original parts. The cabin has new carpets, though of a thinner type without sound-deadening material. The dashboard has received some touch-up paintwork.

Condition

Exterior: Both the paint and body are described by the seller as being in good condition, and the glass is likewise assessed to be of good standard.

Interior: The interior is stated to be in good condition, as are the dashboard and headliner. The seats are described as fine, with the exception of the cut-outs made for the retrofitted headrests. As mentioned, the dashboard has minor touch-up paintwork. The carpets are new but thin. The car lacks seatbelts. No air conditioning is fitted, and the function of the old cassette player is unknown.

Tyres and wheels: The tyres and wheels are assessed to be in good condition. The wheels are of a different type than the original equipment.

Mechanics and function: The engine is currently difficult to start and requires adjustment of the twin carburettors. The seller states that this will be addressed before the sale. Once the engine is warm, it reportedly runs well according to the seller. The transmission likely needs adjustment, as drive sometimes must be engaged twice, but otherwise shifts as it should. The brakes are assessed to be in good condition and the electrics are said to function. No warning light is illuminated on the dashboard and the trip meter works. Since the car is fitted with an automatic transmission, there is no clutch.

Service history

The vehicle is not fully serviced and there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate the service history. The car is exempt from inspection and therefore has no current inspection record to refer to. Prospective buyers should expect to form their own assessment of the maintenance needs, primarily regarding carburettor tuning and transmission adjustment.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Mercedes-Benz 220 Sb from 1964 with three owners, the previous of whom owned the car for half a century. The body, paint, interior and headliner are all described as being in good condition, and the car is equipped with a sunroof, US-spec lights and a tow hitch. The vehicle has been converted to an automatic transmission with a floor-mounted selector and rides on non-original wheels.

The engine requires adjustment of the twin carburettors and the transmission likely needs an overhaul, while the car, according to the seller, is drivable as it stands. With its documented long tenure with the same owner and its consistently neat impression, this Heckflosse represents an interesting proposition for anyone seeking a usable classic with clear character.