The Mercedes-Benz W128 Coupe 220 SE represents a pivotal moment in post-war Mercedes-Benz design and engineering. Produced between July 1958 and August 1959, this elegant coupe was part of the “Ponton” series, known for its unibody construction – a significant departure from the traditional body-on-frame designs of the era. The 220 SE, positioned as a luxury vehicle, offered a blend of sophisticated styling, comfortable accommodations for five passengers, and a relatively powerful engine for its time. While not a high-volume seller compared to the sedan variants, the W128 Coupe 220 SE remains a highly sought-after classic, embodying the refinement and engineering prowess associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
The Mercedes-Benz W128 Coupe 220 SE: A Detailed Overview
The W128 series, launched in 1958, marked a significant evolution for Mercedes-Benz. The “Ponton” name, derived from the German word for pontoon, referred to the car’s integrated body and chassis construction, giving it a lower profile and more modern appearance than its predecessors. The Coupe variant, the 220 SE, was a two-door offering that emphasized style and exclusivity. It catered to buyers seeking a more personal and refined driving experience. The 220 SE was a step up from the earlier 220 model, featuring fuel injection – hence the “SE” designation (Sonderausführung, or Special Equipment) – which boosted power and improved drivability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 220 SE Coupe is its 2.2-liter (2195 cm3 or 133.95 cu. in.) inline-six cylinder engine. This engine, designated M 127 I / 127.980, produced 115 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 186 Nm (137.19 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine employed multi-port manifold fuel injection, a relatively advanced technology for the late 1950s, contributing to its improved performance and fuel efficiency. Power per liter was a respectable 52.4 Hp/l for the period. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 15 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in around 14.3 seconds. The top speed was rated at 160 km/h (99.42 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 12 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 7.4 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably balanced vehicle for its era.
Design & Features
The W128 Coupe 220 SE boasted a sleek and elegant design. Its two-door coupe body style, with a flowing roofline and relatively large windows, provided a sense of spaciousness and sophistication. The car’s dimensions – 4700 mm (185.04 in.) in length, 1790 mm (70.47 in.) in width, and 1530 mm (60.24 in.) in height – positioned it as a substantial vehicle for its time. Inside, the 220 SE offered comfortable seating for five passengers, upholstered in high-quality materials. While modern safety features were absent by today’s standards, the car’s robust construction and relatively advanced suspension system (double wishbone front, trailing arm rear) provided a stable and comfortable ride. Drum brakes were used on all four wheels. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls. The fuel tank capacity was 62 liters (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal), providing a reasonable driving range. The car’s kerb weight was 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 430 kg (947.99 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ponton |
| Generation | W128 Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 220 SE (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 1958 |
| End of production | August, 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| 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 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 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 | 1380 kg (3042.38 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs) |
| Max load | 430 kg (947.99 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 |
| 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 Coupe 220 SE remains a testament to the enduring quality and elegant design of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Its combination of sophisticated engineering, comfortable accommodations, and stylish aesthetics continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
