
Louis Frankel
Specialist
LOT 515
1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE 'Ponton' Cabriolet Registration no. 773 DLB Chassis no. 128030-20-003136 Engine no. 127982-20-000577
This classic Mercedes-Benz soft-top is a rare original UK right-hand drive example first registered on 20th May 1960 to the famous writer and composer of pop music and musicals, Lionel Bart (of Oliver! fame). A photocopy of the original logbook is in the history file, also showing the original registration number to be 'LB 4'. Various photographs are available on the Internet (Shutterstock) showing Mr Bart in the Mercedes at his then London address of Reece Mews, as per the logbook. Mr Bart owned the car for almost two years before it was registered to furniture manufacturers Parker Knoll in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Four further owners are listed before Mr Graham Ellis, who is also recorded as owner on the old V5C document on file.
The current registered keeper purchased the Mercedes in October 2008 as a 'barn find'. The car has since undergone a restoration costing £87,600 by RetroMarques of Strensham and Tony Williams Bodyshop in Malvern, Worcestershire (all invoices on file). It comes as a fully painted bodyshell in its original Mercedes Blue, and is rolling on its wheels. All other components have been photographed as a catalogue/inventory. The engine and gearbox have been stripped and inspected only. Both will require rebuilding. A brand new windscreen is present. All chrome that was in fair condition was sent away for repair and re-plating. Various other parts were bought new from Niemoeller in Germany and everything should be present and correct. The hood frame has been repaired and is complete.
NB: there is no wooden dashboard present and they are no longer available to purchase. During restoration RetroMarques had another RHD vehicle as a reference and had a 3D laser scan taken of the dashboard in order that the new owner/restorer can have an exact replica manufactured. Sold strictly as viewed, this exciting Mercedes-Benz restoration project comes with a copy factory data card, the aforementioned paperwork, and a current V5C Registration Certificate.
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