Mercedes-Benz W128 Coupe 220 SE (115 Hp) Hydrak

The Mercedes-Benz W128 Coupe 220 SE, produced between July 1958 and August 1959, represents a refined iteration of the “Ponton” series, a pivotal design era for the German automaker. This two-door coupe, positioned as a luxury vehicle, offered a more sporting and elegant alternative to the four-door sedan within the 220 SE range. While not a high-volume seller compared to its saloon counterpart, the W128 Coupe is highly regarded by collectors for its distinctive styling and sophisticated engineering, embodying the post-war German economic recovery and a growing desire for personal mobility. The “Hydrak” designation refers to the optional four-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch, a feature aimed at providing smoother gear changes.

Mercedes-Benz W128 Coupe 220 SE: A Detailed Overview

The W128 series marked a significant departure from the pre-war Mercedes-Benz aesthetic, embracing a more streamlined and modern “pontoon” shape – hence the nickname. The coupe variant further accentuated this modernity with its lower roofline and more graceful proportions. The 220 SE, specifically, represented an upgrade over earlier Ponton models, featuring fuel injection which improved performance and refinement. The car was primarily sold in Europe, and while not officially imported in large numbers to the United States at the time, it represents a significant piece of Mercedes-Benz history and a precursor to the company’s future success in the luxury coupe market.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 220 SE Coupe is the M127 I inline-six cylinder engine, displacing 2.2 liters (2195 cm³ or 133.95 cu. in.). This engine, equipped with multi-port manifold fuel injection, produced 115 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 186 Nm (137.19 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. While these figures may seem modest by modern standards, they were competitive for a luxury car of its era. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio stood at 52.4 hp/l. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. 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 top speed was rated at 160 km/h (99.42 mph). The weight-to-power ratio was 12.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio was 7.5 kg/Nm. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.9 l/100 km (21.6 US mpg, 25.9 UK mpg, 9.2 km/l).

Design & Features

The W128 Coupe’s body style is a classic example of late 1950s automotive design. Its two-door coupe configuration, combined with a relatively long wheelbase (2700 mm or 106.3 in.) and a spacious interior, offered a comfortable and stylish grand touring experience. The car seated five passengers, although rear seat space was somewhat limited due to the sloping roofline. Stylistically, the car featured integrated headlights, minimal chrome trim, and a generally clean and uncluttered appearance. Safety features, while rudimentary by today’s standards, included robust construction and all-around visibility. The optional Hydrak transmission provided a smoother driving experience, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. The fuel tank capacity was 62 liters (16.38 US gal, 13.64 UK gal). The car’s dimensions were 4700 mm (185.04 in.) in length, 1790 mm (70.47 in.) in width, and 1530 mm (60.24 in.) in height.

Technical Specifications