DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1951 | COLOUR: DARK GREEN | INTERIOR TRIM: DARK GREEN LEATHER | PRICE: £75,000
LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS VERY RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL SHOW-WINNING LHD 1951 MERCEDES-BENZ 220 CABRIOLET B.
MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
Introduced in April 1951 at the Frankfurt Motor show, the Mercedes-Benz 220 was available in three body configurations: saloon, convertible A (2-door, 2/3-seat), and convertible B (2-door, 4-seat) – each of which succeeded the corresponding versions of the outgoing 170 S which ended production in 1951.
In a car industry that was recovering post war, the 220 was the epitome of luxury. It had the first new engine Mercedes had developed in over 10 years – a 6 cylinder 2195cc unit producing 80 hp (59 kW), which with upgrades and enlargements, formed the basis for a long line of 6 cylinder engines powering Mercedes-Benz mainstream models through to the 1970s.
The running gear was state of the art for the time too, featuring an oval tube backbone type chassis with swing axle rear independent suspension and Duplex drum brakes. The engine was coupled to a steering column shift 4-speed manual transmission and was capable of propelling the 220 to a very respectable 87mph top speed.
The W187 220 was a very well-respected car of the period, and popular with the press too. In 1952 Automobil Revue, Switzerland, were quoted as saying “There is without doubt more to it than meets the eye. Its owners have at their disposal a fast, safe, comfortable and economical vehicle, the sum of whose qualities can be matched by very few touring cars in the same class and beaten only by more expensive ones.” And ADAC-Motorwelt, Germany summed it up by saying “Viewed as a whole, not only are the handling characteristics of the 220 well above average, but we would venture to suggest that there can be few vehicle models in the entire world that boast such perfect handling qualities as this car.”
In 1953, production of the Cabriolet B ended, and by August 1955 production of all model variants came to end. The W187 was replaced by the Ponton bodied W180 220A introduced in 1954.
THIS VEHICLE
One of only 997 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet Bs ever built. In December 1951, this example was delivered to its first owner in Hoserkirchweg, Germany in its original colours of Black with Dark Red leather.
In 1961 it was exported to the UK, and since then we believe it to have had 3 registered keepers, with the current owner acquiring the vehicle in April 2011. Later that year, a complete body-off, bare metal restoration was commissioned, including a full repaint to its current Dark Green colour. Every component, seen or seen was stripped and rebuilt or replaced as necessary, with all the works undertaken supported by a substantial history file with the vehicle containing all associated invoices.
Other items in the file include original bills of sale, a small photographic record of the restoration compiled by the owner, and a large original 1952 German print W187 220 Parts Manual which would have assisted during the restoration works.
It is in fact, a car we are familiar with, as our team assisted in the restoration, where among other body and mechanical works they carried out, bespoke replacement windows (no longer available), were sourced, manufactured to size and fitted.
The current owner has since used the vehicle regularly, simply driving for pleasure and attending various club functions. In 2013, it was voted ‘Best pre-1972 car’ and ‘Best car in show’ at the Bury St Edmunds Motor Show, then in 2014, Class Winner at The Mercedes-Benz Club 2014 National Concours show.
This 220 Cabriolet B presents very well, with a good dose of nostalgia and period correct details, including its tan carpet set and fully restored period radio, now complete with FM reception and full MP3 connectivity.
With not many present in the UK, this is a very rare vehicle that will stand out from the crowd. It’s exceptional value and a perfect companion to enjoy and treasure for future generations.
This vehicle is available for viewing in our showroom in Great Leighs UK, near Stansted Airport on an appointment basis. It would complement any car collection, and represents a good acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
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