1956 Mercedes-Benz 220S Sedan “Zippo”

By now, most 220s have been sitting long enough to be fossilized and will fall apart like a cheap suit when they’re exhumed

by Paul Duchene

In 1953, Mercedes-Benz introduced the line of mid-sized automobiles that would be its mainstay for nearly a decade. Built using unit-body principles, they were lightweight yet strong and utilized a front sub-frame for mounting the engine. These “ponton” or “roundie” models received a number of motors, from 48-hp diesels in the 180D taxi models to 130-hp six- cylinders in the final fuel-injected 220SE. “Zippo,” the car on sale at Monterey, is considered to be the highest-mileage gasoline-powered Mercedes-Benz in the world, with over one million miles on the clock. It is offered with full provenance, including a 300-page manuscript titled “Roadstar” detailing its remarkable one-owner history. Ordered in 1955 as one of the first 220S models, “Zippo” was delivered to its owner in Japan in 1956—the first Mercedes there not to belong to the Emperor. It has been driven in five continents and the mileage is verified by Mercedes-Benz factory officials. “Zippo” was...