Despite its high weight and middling 120-hp engine, this 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE claimed the gold of the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland in its production year. It is now headed to an auction in Munich, Germany estimated between €80,000 and €130,000.
It was one of the cars driven by Rauno August Aaltonen, a Finnish racer whose father owned a Mercedes-Benz dealership in the country. In 1960, a similar sedan piloted by Aaltonen came seventh in the Rally Finland, also known as the 1000 Lakes Rally, so he decided to try again in the following year. His father presented him with a brand-new 220 SE, which Aaltonen took to the track in a barely modified form: stiffer springs, a lightened rear bench seat and a Kaiser front bumper rounded off the list of changes. Despite not standing out in terms of specs, the car managed to come ahead of its 59 contenders.
Four years later, Aaltonen claimed the title of the European Rally Champion, but it was with a Mini car. The Mercedes 200 SE was reverted to factory state and sold. Having changed hands multiple times, it landed in a museum dedicated to the history of Rally Finland. Its current owner had the sedan once again reverted to its tuned rally car state.