Introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 220 (W187) boasted an advanced specification that belied its elegant if rather conservative styling. Designed around a rigid chassis frame (fabricated from oval section tubular steel), it was equipped with fully independent suspension (transverse leaf front, coil-sprung swing axle rear), a four-speed, column-change manual gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes. Powered by an all new 2195cc ohc six-cylinder engine that developed some 8bhp and 105lbft of torque it was reputedly capable of 90mph. A 2+2 seater, the top of the range Cabriolet A variant was reassuringly expensive. Thus, by the time production ended in 1955 a mere 1,278 are thought to have been dispatched.
Finished in cream over beige with light grey-brown leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 2006. It boasts a wonderful interior with rich burr walnut trim, tinted sun visors, thick carpets and a Telefunken radio not to mention a fully lined hood that incorporates both a glass rear window and vanity lights. Benefiting from Bosch headlamps / spotlamps, a battery cut-out switch and underbonnet inspection lamp, it wears Sindelfinger Karosserie badges. The engine was completely rebuilt in 2023 and currently has 1500 kilometres on the clock.