Description
Mercedes-Benz 220S | 1961
Highlights:
– 2.2-litre inline-six petrol engine with twin Solex carburettors, 4-speed manual transmission
– Complete bodywork and mechanical restoration by Strack in Muggensturm, Germany
– Acquired by the current owner in 2018 from AmbiBudd OHG in Berlin
– Documented history from import to Sweden through to the present, with restoration photo report and invoices
– Selected for the Autoworld “Story of a Star” exhibition at Brussels Expo in 2025
The seller offers for sale this 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220S, powered by a 2.2-litre inline-six petrol engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This W111 “Heckflosse” presents in deep blue paintwork over a houndstooth cloth interior, the colour combination giving the saloon a quietly elegant character that suits the dignified lines of the four-door body. The car has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration carried out by Strack in Muggensturm, Germany, with a detailed list of new parts and a full photo report retained in the file. The current owner acquired the car in 2018 from AmbiBudd OHG in Berlin and the accompanying documentation traces the vehicle from its original import to Sweden through to the present day, with invoices supporting the recorded history. The body shows no significant rust and the chrome work, including the bumpers, grille and side trim, presents in good condition throughout.
Introduced in 1959, the Mercedes-Benz W111 succeeded the Ponton saloons and quickly earned the nickname “Heckflosse”, a reference to the modest tailfins at the rear quarters that Mercedes officially designated as Peilstege, or parking aids. The 220S sat in the middle of the original W111 range, between the entry-level 220b and the fuel-injected 220SE, and was distinguished by its twin Solex carburettor specification and its more generous chrome trim. Power came from the M180 2.2-litre overhead-camshaft straight-six, an engine known for its long-stroke smoothness and a reputation for high-mileage reliability, paired in this car with the four-speed manual gearbox operated by a column shift. Despite its dignified appearance, the Heckflosse proved unexpectedly competitive in long-distance rallying during the early 1960s, lending the model a sporting footnote alongside its primary role as Mercedes’ refined upper-middle-class saloon.
This particular example was selected for the Autoworld exhibition “Story of a Star” held at Brussels Expo in 2025, a presentation of some of the most iconic models in Mercedes-Benz history. The car runs on its original-style steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and whitewall tyres, completing a presentation in keeping with the period character of the model.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in: Limburg province, Belgium.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Belgium registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
