1963 | Mercedes-Benz 220 SE b

Mercedes introduced the Paul Bracq styled W111 Coupé and Cabriolet in late 1960. This stylish model could seat four adults in all comfort, and had all the luxury equipment from the S-Class saloons. Initially only available with the 2,2 litre straight six engine, it was a comfortable cruiser and very reliable.

The superb example we are offering for sale was delivered at the end of 1963 in New York to famous mobster and movie director Pasquale "Pat" di Cicco. He was a famous character in the American movie scene but also the right hand of Lucky Luciano, one of the New York maffia godfathers. Pat di Cicco was married with Thelma Todd for some years (but she was found dead a month after their divorce....) and jetset queen Gloria Vanderbilt. He was also a very close friend to Frank Sinatra, sharing their respective tastes for nightlife and women. After two failed murder attempts, Pat di Cicco fled in 1970 to Biarritz, France and took his cherished Mercedes 220 SE Cabriolet with him. At the end of 1978, di Cicco became very ill and went back to New York where he died of cancer shortly after his arrival. His Mercedes stayed in France of course, and was sold a few years later by di Cicco's wife to Pat's best friend who kept it preciously up to 2003. Then the car was bought by a well known car collector who had the car partially restored but kept as much as possible from the originality.

This Mercedes is still in fantastic condition, finished in the original colour combination of Dunkelgrün with Beige hide and a beautiful dark brown soft top. The car runs like a dream, and we have enjoyed it during a 700 km round trip through rural France without a single problem. The original export document to New York, the French and Spanish registrations in the name of Pat (Pasquale) di Cicco and even the German "Internationaler Zulassungsschein" from 1963 before it left to New York are still with the car.

This is a very special car, with great history and in near perfect condition. A gorgeous looking convertible which seats four and a delight to drive. And this is what counts to be considered as a true collectors car.