The boldly proportioned and well-defined bodywork, with a twin-bumper front and a pointed rear, known as the ‘fishtail’, reflects and embodies an exclusive aesthetic and strong personality in this model, that was so characteristic of that decade, setting it apart from all other Mercedes models.
This car was assembled and first registered in Germany. In 2007, its owners moved to Portugal and brought it with them, keeping it as their main means of transport. Following the owner’s death, his wife put it up for sale at a car dealership in Lisbon.
By chance, my son, who was studying in Lisbon in 2017, walked past, noticed the car and promptly rang me to tell me about this opportunity. I have always had a special fondness for this model, because my father, in 1972, whilst working as a taxi driver in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo, Mozambique), owned a taxi of this model and, although I was very young, I already admired its beauty and grandeur. It is worth noting that, at that time, this car was already in great demand and a guarantee of excellence.
On that very day, I finally managed to fulfil a long-held dream. Upon arriving on the island of Madeira, numerous issues were identified with regards to the bodywork, mechanics and interior, as is to be expected with a vehicle of this age. Following a thorough inspection, I decided to proceed with a comprehensive restoration of the bodywork, mechanics, chrome, paintwork and upholstery, which took around four and a half years to complete. The main aim was to make an investment that would guarantee the quality, pleasure and immense satisfaction of driving a car that represents the excellence of a model from this magnificent brand.
Technical Sheet:
Year of manufacture: 1964
Brand: Mercedes-Benz W111
Model: 220 SB
Country: Germany
Registration number II-53-73
Engine: 2.2 L
Owner: Bernardino Caires Pestana