So, what’s so great about the Mercedes 220S today? It’s also a car of elegance first and foremost. The curves are classic, with wonderful chrome bits and some lovely fins, and that familiar upright Mercedes grille. Inside, wood trim and nice materials give the interior the feel of craftsmanship not found even in much newer luxury cars.
The 220S is powered by a 2.2-liter inline-six with dual carbs, putting out about 106 hp, which is not shabby for the time. It isn’t a sports car, but it provides creamy, refined driving that is imbued with a sense of solidity and quality that, for years, was Mercedes’ signature post-war trait. Collectors cherish the experience: the soft burble of the six-cylinder engine, the tactile sense of the steering, and the dignity of a ride quality that makes even a short drive feel like something special.
Vintageness also has a major influence over appraisal results. The “Ponton” series is a model that has been gaining popularity among classic Mercedes-Benz collectors as it serves as a transitional model between the pre-war classics and the modern Mercedes-Benz brand. Its scarcity enhances its charm; although Mercedes built a decent number of 220S sedans, a smaller number remains in good, original condition.
Way back in the day, the 220S features a 2.2L inline-six engine equipped with twin carbs, which generated an output of around 106 HP, which isn’t all that bad for those times. It is not a sports car, but it is smooth and refined enough, with solid build quality and an air of solidity that characterized Mercedes in the post-war years. That is the collector’s experience to be cherished — the soft gurgle of the six-cylinder engine, the reassuring feel of the steering, the calm ride quality that also makes a trip as short as the drugstore feel special.
Vintage is also key when it comes to determining values. It is therefore not surprising that classic car fans are becoming more and more interested in the “Ponton”, as it is seen as a link between the time before the war and the Mercedes cars that we are familiar with today. And its scarcity only enhances its appeal; though a modest number of 220S sedans rolled out of Mercedes’ factory, many fewer have been preserved in fine, original fettle.
Indeed, for owners who are considering selling, knowing the market is key. Originality and condition have a huge impact on the value. Depending on its condition, a rust-free 220S with matching numbers and original interior would fetch $25,000 to $50,000 (or more if it were in exceptionally nice condition).
If you’re one of the fortunate owners of a 1959 Mercedes 220S Sedan, know this: your classic isn’t just a car—it’s a piece of automotive history, increasingly cherished by collectors worldwide. Before you make any decisions to sell, be sure to unlock its true value. You might be sitting on a hidden treasure worth far more than you ever imagined. If you consider selling or buying a classic Mercedes talk to Dusty Cars for an appraisal on this vintage classic.