Tucked away in garages, barns, and family estates across the country are forgotten treasures, classic cars that once turned heads and transported memories. One of the most underappreciated of these is the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S Sedan.
Original owners and their families often do not realize just how much this elegant post-war German machine is worth—until it comes time to sell.
If you have acquired a Mercedes 220S, then this blog is your road map to understanding why car collectors are finally beginning to catch on to the fact that this is an icon. The reason why it’s worth rediscovering and saving from nonuse, what you have and how to obtain a proper expert appraisal.
Under the hood, the 220S packed a 2.2L inline-6 engine with twin carburetors, producing a smooth and responsive ride—a rarity in the late 1950s. Its interior boasted fine materials, chrome trim, and real wood accents that rivaled many luxury cars of the era.
Why the Market Is Heating Up
The vehicle comes with hand-built quality and Euro charm, the 220S continues to stand out today among a sea of American classics. To collectors, particularly those who love vintage Mercedes-Benz engineering, this car is a trip back to mid-century cool.
While muscle cars and racy convertibles tend to get the most attention, there’s an emerging group of collectors who are more interested in well-preserved old European sedans, ideally those with factory finishes, interiors, and matching numbers.
The 220S, once overshadowed by its bigger Mercedes siblings, is now seen as a hidden gem. Clean, well-preserved examples are becoming harder to find, and prices are reflecting that.
But here is the kicker: many owners have no idea. That is why getting the right appraisal from a specialist is so important.
How to Get an Accurate Valuation
Not all appraisals are given equally. Your local dealership or generic classic car site might undervalue a rare, original 220S simply because they do not know what they are looking at. You need someone who understands the Mercedes collector market, someone who can assess originality, check production numbers, and recognize true survivor cars. At Dusty Cars, we specialize in evaluating and purchasing rare vintage European cars, just like the 1959 220S. Whether your car runs or has been sitting untouched for years, we can help you unlock its full potential.