On paper, the Mercedes-Benz 220 was far from sporting. Its workaday 2.2-liter straight-6 was no fireball, and it had to be rowed hard to overcome a not-inconsiderable curb weight of 1,334 kilograms (2,941 pounds). But in that weight lay strength, and the model became an unexpected hit on the rally stage, particularly in top-spec fuel-injected form. It proved just the tool for punishing long-distance events, winning the 1960 Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Finnish hot-shoe Rauno Aaltonen was also a fan, no doubt influenced by his father owning a Mercedes-Benz dealership in his hometown of Turku. Alongside Pentti Siutla, Aaltonen campaigned a Mercedes-Benz 220SE in the 1960 Jyväskylän Suurajot, or Rally of the 1000 Lakes, bringing the car home in 7th overall.
He hoped to repeat the success the following year, this time paired with Väinö Nurmimaa, but the promised Works car never materialized. His father sourced a brand-new example — said to be chassis 014930 — straight from the showroom floor, and the car was hastily modified for competition. The registration plates from the previous car — EH 220 — were fitted, along with a lightweight rear bench, stiffer springs and a front bumper sourced from a Kaiser. Small compensation came from the factory in the form of eight 15-inch steel wheels.
What followed was a stunning win for both Aaltonen and the Mercedes-Benz, as the big saloon was steered to overall victory ahead of 59 other finishers, completing the rally more than five minutes ahead of the Citroën ID 19 of Pauli Toivonen and Jaakko Kallio.
This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE represents a fascinating period in its competition history and could be the perfect companion for long-distance tours and historic rallies.
