The Mercedes-Benz W128 Cabriolet 220 SE represents a pinnacle of post-war German automotive engineering and design. Produced between July 1958 and August 1959, this elegant convertible was part of the larger “Ponton” series (W128), known for its unibody construction – a significant departure from the traditional body-on-frame designs of the era. The 220 SE Cabriolet, positioned as a luxury offering, catered to a discerning clientele seeking open-air motoring with the renowned Mercedes-Benz quality and prestige. It was never officially sold in the United States, but examples have been imported over the years and are highly sought after by collectors.
The Mercedes-Benz W128 Cabriolet 220 SE
The W128 series, encompassing saloons, coupes, and the coveted Cabriolet, marked a turning point for Mercedes-Benz. The “Ponton” styling – characterized by its rounded lines and integrated fenders – offered a modern aesthetic that contrasted with the more angular designs of previous models. The 220 SE variant, introduced in 1959, featured an upgraded engine and improved refinements over earlier Ponton models. The Cabriolet, with its fully retractable soft top, embodied the spirit of leisurely travel and sophisticated style.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 220 SE Cabriolet is a 2.2-liter (2195 cm3) inline-six cylinder engine, designated the M 127 I / 127.980. This naturally aspirated engine produces 115 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 186 Nm (137.19 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection, a relatively advanced technology for the time, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and performance. While not a sports car by modern standards, the 220 SE Cabriolet offered respectable performance for its era. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 15 seconds, and it achieves a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 7.6 kg/Nm. The engine’s configuration is a SOHC valvetrain with 2 valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.7:1.
Design & Features
The W128 Cabriolet boasts a classic two-door, five-seat configuration. Its body style is a traditional soft-top convertible, offering an open-air driving experience. The exterior design is characterized by its elegant lines, chrome accents, and relatively restrained styling – typical of Mercedes-Benz in the late 1950s. Inside, the cabin is appointed with high-quality materials, reflecting the car’s luxury positioning. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the time, included robust construction and reliable braking systems. The car’s dimensions are substantial for its era, measuring 4700 mm (185.04 in) in length, 1790 mm (70.47 in) in width, and 1530 mm (60.24 in) in height. The wheelbase is 2700 mm (106.3 in). The front and rear tracks measure 1430 mm (56.3 in) and 1470 mm (57.87 in) respectively. The kerb weight is 1410 kg (3108.52 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 400 kg (881.85 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ponton |
| Generation | W128 Cabriolet |
| Type (Engine) | 220 SE (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 1958 |
| End of production | August, 1959 |
| 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 | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 52.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 3800 rpm (137.19 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 127 I / 127.980 |
| Engine displacement | 2195 cm3 (133.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 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 220 SE Cabriolet remains a highly desirable classic car, representing a significant era in automotive history. Its combination of elegant styling, robust engineering, and luxurious appointments continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
