In the mid-1950s, Mercedes began working on a replacement for its bread-and-butter Ponton cars. After several years of development, particularly focussed on safety thanks to engineer Béla Barényi, the W111 chassis emerged. The first cars were saloons, introduced in 1959. Its design was penned by Friedrich Geiger, who also created the Gullwing. The softly squared shape was decked with chrome-trimmed fins at the rear – a detail that Karl Wilfert, chief of body engineering, wanted to see deleted. Fins were not in keeping with Mercedes’ poised styling, and the trend was already aging at other carmakers. Two years later, Paul Bracq was tasked with facelifting the saloon to create a coupe and a convertible – and Wilfert almost got his wish: the fins are flattened considerably, losing their chrome tracing. The 220SE designation was given to both new body styles. Here on eBay is a 1964 Mercedes 220SE coupe, bid to $15,600 with no reserve. The car is represented by a dealer in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Individual leather seating cradles the occupants; tunes are courtesy of a Blaupunkt radio; the swanky leather-padded steering wheel is a reminder that Mercedes is an eminent luxury brand. This interior signals its needs, with fogged chrome trim, vulcanized rubber seals, and cracks in the leather upholstery. While hide food will probably help, that rear parcel shelf is going to need a more serious effort.

The entire W111 line initially received the 2195 cc six-cylinder inherited from the Ponton cars. In the coupe, fuel is handled by Bosch injection; this powerplant makes 120 bhp. The transmission is a four-speed manual. By 1964, the all-drum brake system had given way to front discs – a blessing since this is a heavy car. A radiator flush, fluid change, fuel system clean-out, and brake work have helped resurrect this example. The tires are new. No doubt other work awaits, but she has a good start.

The bumperettes, the chrome-trimmed rear lenses, those subtle fins, the lovely back glass … and in front, the long oval headlights,  the similarly curving radiator shell – no wonder these cars are attracting more attention lately. While the convertibles draw the big money, no longer can you find a decent coupe for four figures. Prices in the mid $40k area are not unusual for well-cared-for coupes. Of course, restoration costs will be substantial, but if this car isn’t rusty and doesn’t need immediate mechanical repair, it could offer years of enjoyment.