1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Coupe

• One of only 1.251 Coupes built (W180)
• Retains Matching-Numbers engine
• Delivered new in Germany
• One of only 6 % European cars delivered with the semi-automatic HYDRAK transmission
• Comes from a collection of a prominent Swiss banker
• Only 34.000 kms given the history and condition very probably original
• Rare and luxury version 220 S, powerful for its day
• Perfect, original condition
• Servised at Mercedes-Benz in Switzerland, invoices included
• All documents were checked and the car was photographed personally by Auctomobile
• Other features: possibility of assisting with registration, transport, insurance, storage and Trusted Checkout payment
• Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Prague, Czechia

The Mercedes-Benz W180 is an inline 6-cylinder saloon, coupé, and convertible made from 1954 to 1959. The models associated with the W180 chassis code were the 220 A and 220 S.
The W180 was one in a range of Mercedes-Benz models to informally receive the "Ponton" nickname. This was in reference to the unibody-type, pontoon-shaped exterior styling which was also featured on the later W128 line.
The 220 A was succeeded in March 1956 by the 220 S, which was externally almost identical, but had an upgraded version of the 2.2L inline-six, due to the use of twin-carburetors.
Visually, the 220 S featured a new one piece front bumper, instead of the 3-piece bumper used on the 220 A. Also, the twin chrome and rubber strips running under the doors of the 220 A were replaced with solid chrome strips. The most obvious difference is the addition of a chrome strip running along the front fenders and doors of the 220 S.
The 220 S was available with a 4-speed column shift manual transmission, with an optional Hydrak automatic clutch. This made use of small microswitches on the gear selector that automatically disengaged the clutch when the driver changed gears. Many cars have subsequently been converted to use a regular manual clutch, due to the high maintenece costs of continuing to use the Hydrak clutch.
In July 1956 a convertible (two doors, four seats) joined the line-up, and in October 1956 a coupé version followed suit. The coupé version is the rarest one. Priced at 21.500 DM, the 220 S was one of the most expensive, and exclusive models in the Mercedes-Benz range.

This is the rarest version of the most luxurious Mercedes-Benz models from this model range, from which only 1.251 cars were built, this one retains the matching numbers engine. A European, German delivered version, but very rarely equipped with the HYDRAK semi-automatic (no clutch) 4-speed transmission, that was used mostly for the US delivered cars, only 6 % of the European cars were equipped with this transmission.
This car comes from a collection of prominent Swiss banker, who maintenend the car only at official Mercedes-Benz center, which is documented by invoices included in the sale.
With the combination of the LHD European matching numbers example equipped with the HYDRAK transmission and only 34.000 given the history and condition very probably original kilometres is this example one of the rarest to be find in such a perfect condition.

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