Mercedes-Benz 220SEb Coupe (W111)
Year: 1962
Kilometers: 81,576
Exterior: Blue (335)
Interior: Black
This 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SEb Coupe (W111) is a very special three owner car. The history file and photographic record is immense and tell a fascinating story. It was Purchased from the Mercedes dealer Franco Boringa in Roma on the 11th of June 1962. The original bill of sale (included) shows the first owner was Dario Lenzini a member of the renowned Italian Lenzini Family who were the owners of Lazio football club. The car remained with the family for 18 years bearing the original Roma number plates (included) “ROMA 542235”.
In 1980 the car was purchased by its second owner, Italian diplomat Corradino De Novellis and when he was posted to London in 1981 he brought the car along. As the new owner had diplomatic status it wore the embassy plates “188D 172”. The SEb was used regularly and in later years became part of his larger car collection. Mr De Novellis retired from diplomatic life in 1987 and the car was transferred to the registration number “MYY 481X”
Corradino called the car his “Mistress” and in 1999 he returned her to Italy for light restoration. Full details and photographs of the work are on file and the final cost was £14,500. In total he kept her for 36 years before he reluctantly decided to sell to its third and current Irish owner in 2016.
Even though the car was in remarkably good condition, the new owner started a programme of works to ensure she looked and drove as well as possible. All the common areas of body corrosion were addressed and the body was treated to a full repaint. Much of the chrome was restored as well as the interior wood trim. All leather was replaced and new carpets fitted. The engine was serviced and tuned, the gearbox steering box and differential were rebuilt and new brake lines fitted.
The history file is a fascinating read from 1962 to present day. There are hundreds of pictures to chronicle not just its restoration but its adventurous life and the people who enjoyed her. She even has her original owners book pack, folder and duplicate keys.
