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Mercedes-Benz's reputation for quality didn't happen overnight, but you might be surprised that you can get some of that quality for a very reasonable price with this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S sedan. Sturdy, fun to drive, and bulletproof reliable, it's a great entry-level hobby car that delivers an entirely different feel from the usual American 4-doors. Hailing from long-term ownership in a single family, this is a tidy little sedan that's big on the inside and feels every bit a Mercedes-Benz. The styling isn't flashy but it gives the rather small car an imposing look that commands respect, with or without the three-pointed star hood ornament. Light blue paint gives it a cheerful demeanor and it's in good shape for being decades old, showing a soft patina that you can't replicate with anything but time. Perfect? No, but certainly appealing in a way that only original cars can offer. It's nicely detailed, as Mercedes-Benz designers knew that it should look expensive, so there's a slash of chrome to accentuate the fender lines, the traditional Mercedes grille, and big wrap-around bumpers that look like they could knock down a building. These cars rust in some of the most demonic ways possible, so you'll be happy to hear that this car is quite solid and aside from a few dings, it shows rather well. The interior has been reupholstered at some point using bright blue vinyl and cloth that works well with the exterior paint. Front buckets are luxurious instead of sporting, which is the entire point, and the back seat is actually big enough for three. Real wood on the garnish moldings and dash warms up the interior in a significant way and the craftsmanship is tangible in every surface, switch, and door handle. The big steering wheel shows a few cracks that are all but inevitable, and it gives good steering feel and nimble handling. The shifter manages a 4-speed manual transmission with smooth clutch take-up and well-spaced ratios to make the most of the engine's power. The carpets are excellent, while surfaces like the rear package shelf show some light fading. Gauges are easy to read and all seem to be operational, but even in a Mercedes, the radio was optional. There's also a massive trunk that's quite tidy and includes a full-sized spare and jack. The "220" in the car's nomenclature refers to the 2.2 liter inline-6 under the hood, which isn't a racer but it's bulletproof reliable. These cars are known to run for a half-million miles with just routine maintenance and this one runs great. A little choke and it fires up without drama and pulls the sedan around with enthusiasm. It's clean under the hood if not detailed for show, but you can tell this car has been well maintained most of its life. Parts are still readily available and surprisingly affordable, and if you keep up with the maintenance, this car will take care of you for many years. The transmission shifts cleanly and it cruises with traffic without complaint. The suspension is shockingly supple and comfortable, making this small car feel like a big car on the road, and the unassisted steering is direct. Braking is also up to the standards you'd expect and it sits on 185/80/13 radials wrapped around stock wheels and color-matched hubcaps. Unusual cars often make the most entertaining hobby vehicles, and this 220S remains economical to buy and reliable to own, so you don't have to worry about all the things the other guys worry about. Call today!
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