The Mercedes-Benz W128 Cabriolet 220 SE represents a pinnacle of post-war German automotive engineering and design. Produced between August 1959 and November 1960, this elegant convertible was part of the “Ponton” series, known for its unibody construction – a relatively new concept at the time. The 220 SE Cabriolet was positioned as a luxury vehicle, offering a sophisticated open-air driving experience. While not a high-volume seller compared to its sedan counterparts, the W128 Cabriolet remains a highly sought-after classic, embodying the refinement and build quality for which Mercedes-Benz became renowned.
The Mercedes-Benz W128 Cabriolet 220 SE
The W128 series, introduced in 1959, marked a significant evolution in Mercedes-Benz design. The “Ponton” name, meaning “pontoon” in German, referred to the car’s rounded, flowing lines and the integrated body-and-frame construction. This contrasted with the earlier models that featured separate chassis and bodywork. The 220 SE, the top-of-the-line variant, featured a larger engine and more luxurious appointments than the base 220. The Cabriolet version, with its fully retractable soft top, was the most exclusive and desirable model in the range.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 220 SE Cabriolet is the M127 III inline-six cylinder engine, displacing 2.2 liters (2195 cm³ or 133.95 cu. in.). This engine produced 120 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 189 Nm (139.4 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3900 rpm. While these figures may seem modest by modern standards, they were respectable for the late 1950s, providing smooth and refined performance. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection, a sophisticated technology for the era, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and drivability. Power per liter was a respectable 54.7 Hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 15 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph was achieved in around 14.3 seconds. The car’s top speed was 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The engine’s longitudinal front-mount configuration and rear-wheel drive layout provided a balanced driving experience. The weight-to-power ratio was 11.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 7.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The W128 Cabriolet’s design was characterized by its elegant proportions and understated luxury. The two-door, five-seat configuration offered comfortable accommodation for passengers. The fully retractable soft top allowed for open-air motoring, enhancing the driving experience. The exterior styling featured prominent chrome accents, rounded headlights, and a distinctive grille. Inside, the cabin was appointed with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and wood trim. While safety features were limited by the standards of the time, the W128 offered a robust construction and reliable braking system for its era. The car’s suspension, featuring a double wishbone setup at the front and a trailing arm arrangement at the rear, provided a comfortable ride. The steering utilized a cone worm with recirculation balls, offering precise control. The car’s dimensions included a length of 4700 mm (185.04 in.), a width of 1790 mm (70.47 in.), and a height of 1530 mm (60.24 in.). The wheelbase measured 2700 mm (106.3 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ponton |
| Generation | W128 Cabriolet |
| Type (Engine) | 220 SE (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1959 |
| End of production | November, 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 22 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 26.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.3 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 54.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3900 rpm (139.4 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 127 III / 127.983 |
| Engine displacement | 2195 cm³ (133.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.01 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.8 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1410 kg (3108.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Length | 4700 mm (185.04 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Height | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Rear track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
The Mercedes-Benz W128 Cabriolet 220 SE remains a testament to the enduring quality and timeless design of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Its combination of elegant styling, refined performance, and luxurious appointments continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
