1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A
Chassis no. 18701205432

"The Type 220 Mercedes-Benz is a car of rare quality and an excellent example of the solid, fast family car which the Stuttgart firm know so well how to make: it gives every sign that it can be depended upon to render good service and it is an abiding pleasure to handle." – The Autocar, 5th February 1954

Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in April 1951, the 220 was in effect a six-cylinder cousin to the 170S on the same 2,845mm wheelbase chassis. The first of this line – the four-cylinder, 1.7-litre 170V – had been introduced back in 1936 and formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years. Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf ifs and hydraulic brakes. Introduced in May 1949, the outwardly similar 170S came with a 1,767cc engine equipped with an aluminium-alloy cylinder head.

Although closely based on the 170S, the 220 featured more modern styling 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 coupé-styled Cabriolet A. In the best Mercedes-Benz tradition, both convertible models were exceptionally well equipped. Of cabriolets, the 'A' design of 'long bonnet/short cabin' is by far the most attractive and desirable variant of all and production amounted to only 1,278 units in five years. It is hardly surprising that today these models are both rare and highly sought after.

This Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A has been stored since acquisition in around 2012, the car will require re-commissioning before returning to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.