LOT 543

1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 S 'Fintail' Saloon Registration no. CBU 637B Chassis no. 11101210129387 Engine no. 13092310003591

Sold for £11,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 543

1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 S 'Fintail' Saloon

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|2 September 2023, 14:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 S 'Fintail' Saloon
Registration no. CBU 637B
Chassis no. 11101210129387
Engine no. 13092310003591

• Late example of a relatively short-lived model
• Left-hand drive
• Manual transmission
• Repainted and re-trimmed in 2019
• Offered from long-term ownership in Lebanon

"Work on the new breed of Fintail saloons began in the mid-1950s under the stewardship of Dr Fritz Nallinger, a chap known for his precise manner. His team of dedicated experts were all committed to the common goal of adhering to the highest attainable engineering standards. Nothing less would have been acceptable from Daimler-Benz; indeed, it never has been." – Lawrence Meredith, Mercedes-Benz Saloons.

Introduced at the 1959 Frankfurt Auto Show, the 220 S saloon was one of three six-cylinder (W111) models sharing a new up-to-the-minute body style. This trio featured unitary construction bodies, independent suspension all round (at the rear by means of a single-pivot swing axle), and powerful servo-assisted drum brakes. Much attention had been paid to improving passenger comfort and safety, the cabin being enlarged and the glass area increased for better visibility, while the incorporation of front and rear crumple zones represented a milestone in automotive safety technology. Designed to appeal equally to European and North American markets, the sleek new body featured tail fins, a styling device then much in vogue, which gave the models their nickname: Heckflosse (Fintail).

Powered by an up-rated (110bhp DIN, 124bhp SAE in the USA) version of its predecessor's 2,195cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine, the 220 S was good for a top speed of around 165km/h (102.5mph). Fuel-injected SE versions followed, the coupé and cabriolet models lacking the saloon's swiftly outdated tail fins, while front disc brakes were standardised on the 220 S in April 1962. Production ceased in 1965.
This left-hand drive Fintail saloon shows 50,730 kilometres (approximately 31,500 miles) on the odometer and comes from long-term ownership in Lebanon. In 2019 the car benefited from a fresh coat of paint and was retrimmed in glorious red leather in readiness for presentation to the owner's daughter upon her achieving a new work placement in France. Just prior to the car's proposed shipping to France the owner's daughter was informed that the placement would now be in Dubai. Instead, in 2021 the owner shipped the Mercedes to the UK where it is currently registered. Some recommissioning will be required as the car has been in dry storage since 2021. Offered with jack, tools and a V5C Registration Certificate.

Saleroom notices

There is no jack or tools with this Mercedes-Benz 'Fintail'.

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