West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this 1952 Mercedes Benz 220B 2 Door Cabriolet which has reportedly been part of a renown collection since a concours level restoration in the 1990's.
1 of only 997 produced
Reported to have a no expense spared and concours level restoration in the 1990s
A lavish German-built automobile for touring
2,195CC SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
86HP at 4,600 RPM
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Exquisite older restoration to factory correct specifications
Elegant and luxurious Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet rarely seen in the US
All 220s used newly developed M180 six cylinder 2195cc engine producing 80 hp with valves operated by short rocker arms from an overhead camshaft with a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) for the saloons and 145 km/h (90 mph) for the cabriolets. The new six-cylinder engine would form the basis, repeatedly enlarged and upgraded as the years went on, for a long line of six-cylinder engines powering mainstream Mercedes-Benz models including the six-cylinder version of the early S-Class models in the 1970s.
The body of the W187 saloon was closely modeled on the 1938 Mercedes-Benz W153 but with a modern engine to power it. The W187 was to be replaced with the Ponton bodied six cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220a (W180). When the cabriolet was withdrawn in 1955 there was no immediate successor. However, just over a year later the all-new Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet and Coup appeared, in July and October 1956 respectively.
Although closely based on the 170S, the 220 featured more modern styling up-dated with headlamps integrated into the wings. With 80bhp on tap courtesy of its 2.2-litre overhead-camshaft engine, the 220 saloon was good for a top speed of around 140km/h (87mph) - as was the Cabriolet B - with 145km/h (90mph) attainable by the drophead coup-styled Cabriolet A.
More than 16,000 Mercedes-Benz 220s were sedans, but more discerning buyers also had the option of ordering a two-three seat Cabriolet A or a full four-seat Cabriolet B. These luxurious Cabriolet's featured dazzling leather interiors and dash in veneered wood, as well as bound Wilton carpet covering a large portion of lower interior. In the best Mercedes-Benz tradition, both of these convertible models were exceptionally well equipped. The combined Cabriolet A and B production amounted to only 2,275 in five years, 997 of which were Cabriolet Bs, and today these models are both rare and highly sought after.
As one of the first post-war Mercedes-Benz models, the 220 was introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in April 1951. The successor to the 170 S, it contained a number of updates, the primary of which being a streamlining of the headlight fitment. However, the most significant change in the car was under the bonnet, where a new 2.2-liter six-cylinder engine replaced the earlier four-cylinder engine used in the 170 S. Horsepower made a significant increase from 52 to 80, transforming the car into the autobahn cruiser that Mercedes-Benz had intended. The overhead camshaft inline-6 was mated to a column shifted synchronized 4-speed manual transmission which did provide (and still does today) a most spirited driving experience. Top speed was nearly 90 miles an hour and it could reach 60 miles per hour in 20 seconds from a full stop. The 220 was offered in two different cabriolet options, the sporty Cabriolet A and the stylish Cabriolet B which offered comfortable seating for four. With undeniable style and ample performance, the 220 marked Mercedes-Benz's return to form after World War II by offering luxury for the whole family while providing the level of performance that resonates in the spirit of Mercedes-Benz today the best or nothing.
This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet B is one of 978 built during a four-year production run and reportedly received a professional no expense spared restoration in the early 1990's. Finished in a most striking Red over Silver two-tone color combination with a matching Red leather interior, the car features four-seat, two-door coachwork that was built at Mercedes-Benz's Sindelfingen plant alongside the chassis and running gear. Power comes from a 2.2L OHC inline-six paired to a four-speed manual gearbox, and the chassis features independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic brakes.
Stunning and obviously very professional restoration work in the 1990's by notable specialists show this early post-war 220 featuring integrated headlamps, driving lamps, shallow running boards, and fender and side-mount turn indicators. Close ups of the original body tags, restored enamel grille badge, and brightwork can be seen in the gallery below. Four-wheel Duplex hydraulic drums, independent suspension, and coil springs at all four corners. Stunningly restored Burled wood can be seen on the dash top, windshield surround, door caps, and into the window bases. The body-colored dash features restored chrome-bezel VDO gauges. with some 59,233 miles being shown on the odometer. Of particular note is the original Becker Grand Prix radio with long-wave, medium-wave, and short-wave frequencies.
Independently adjustable pleated red leather front seats are fitted in the cabin, along with front and rear roll-up windows and a full-size back seat. Power comes from the 2.2L inline-six paired to a four-speed manual gearbox. The engine was rated for around 85 hp by the factory when new and utilizes a single downdraft carburetor, vacuum-advance distributor, and six-volt electrical system. The large ducts on either side of the engine feed fresh air from the radiator back to two independent heater cores near the firewall.
This lovely 52 Mercedes-Benz 220B Cabriolet still presents very well today with an upscale and distinctive stance. The Mercedes-Benz Hellrot Red and Silver paint is matched to its corresponding Red leather interior. Mercedes has always been known for their classic styling and this example carries just that, with integrated headlights in the front fenders and a convertible that folds into an excellent position to fully open the cabin for open-air opulence. Along with the top, comes a boot top cover that holds the convertible in place and keeps things nice and tight. For the lower half, this Benz rides on steel wheels with color-matched red three-point star hub caps wrapped in Blackwall Michelin radial tires.
Known for luxury in all aspects of their vehicles, the interior boasts elegant wood veneering laid on the window sills and on top of the dash that ties the red leather seating together quite nicely. The wood veneering trickles down to the center of the dashboard where a Becker Grand Prix stereo is slotted in the center. Other notable features include roll-up windows in both the front and rear as well as driving lights up front.
In summary, this is one unique opportunity to own a turn-key ready to enjoy today 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220B Cabriolet! A splendid example of this increasingly desirable and collectible early classic Mercedes-Benz and an investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic European car enthusiast.
