1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Coupé

We believe that this RHD car was delivered new to the UK and first registered here on 7.1.66.

The first known UK keeper bought the car, then priced at £1,900, in 1970. He and his wife, originally from Jamaica, later moved from northwest London to Seigy, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.

The car returned to the UK a year ago, having spent at least 23 years dry stored in France, during which time it was left untouched.

The odometer today reads 91,800 miles. At the time of the car’s 1978 UK MoT, the mileage was recorded as being 80,232.

The car has a black roof and an off-white/cream coloured body.

Eagle-eyed observers among you may be harbouring a suspicion that it isn’t in exactly concours condition.

Well, no, it isn’t.

While the panels are straight and the gaps and shut-lines are consistent, there is corrosion, bubbling and holing to be seen in numerous places. 

And yet the intrinsic build quality of the car is still evident, not least in the way the doors still close with impressively satisfying weight and precision. 

The chrome is foxed and pitted in places on the bumpers and grille but it certainly isn’t beyond salvation. 

The same can be said of the wheels and much of the exterior fixtures and fittings: yes, it needs rescuing, but there’s no need to call a priest just yet.

The o/s/f quarterlight glass is missing. Note the taped-up pictures at the bottom of the photo gallery.

In a few places, you’ll be needing to lay hands on an angle grinder, welding equipment and some fresh metal. 

Parts of the heavily corroded boot lid are as lacey and dark as a bridal veil at a goth wedding.

Overall, though, we don’t think the bodywork is quite as compromised as it might at first appear. 

Much of what can be seen appears to be ingrained dirt or surface corrosion, rather than galloping rot, and there’s every chance that it can be brought back to rude health with the application of many hours, a few quid and lashings of elbow grease.

Clearly, you’ll want to come and take a look before reaching your own conclusion.

The inside of this stylish survivor from the heyday of Teutonic over-engineering looks to us to be entirely authentic, original and, very clearly, unrestored. 

Beneath all the dust and dirt lurks, we think, an interior in which there’s a fair amount that’s salvageable.

The black leather seats are mired in grime and look a little worn and desiccated in places, but we don’t think they’re beyond the reach of an expert equipped with a ferocious work ethic and all the right cleaning and feeding products.

The same can be said of the door cards and wooden inserts, although it might ultimately be quicker (and more cost-effective) to replace these and other parts rather than restore them.  

Wiser heads than ours will surely know.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started or driven the car. 

Thanks to some sizeable holes through which the road is visible, the boot might best be described as ‘well ventilated’.

The engine and engine bay look as if they haven’t been touched for nearly a quarter of a century.

The undersides range from heavily corroded, to lightly corroded, to apparently solid – depending on where you cast your gaze. 

We don’t have any history beyond what we’ve already told you.

The car comes with a V5 document, a handbook/manual and various other bits of paper.

Like you, we know just how special these very rare and classy W111 coupés can be.

Obviously, this is a project, and one that will require a good deal of work, but we still think that the potential rewards could and should amply compensate for the time and effort involved.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £5,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.