Vehicle Description
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 producedReported to have a
no expense spared and concours level restoration in the 1990sA
lavish German-built automobile for touring2,195CC SOHC Inline
6-Cylinder EngineSingle Carburetor86HP at 4,600 RPM4-Speed Manual
Transmission4-Wheel Independent Suspension4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum
BrakesExquisite older restoration to factory correct
specificationsElegant and luxurious Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet rarely
seen in the USAll 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 When the cabriolet was withdrawn in 1955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.