 1951 220 Series |
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Those having never experienced the tragedy of war can tend to live in a dream world, where the 'sky's the limit'. War, however, changes things. There is an appreciation. Getting by, and making due, often become of greater importance. Then, once things have settled, the unknown can become tested again. Mercedes was in exactly that position after the end of World War II.
During the mid-1930s Mercedes-Benz introduced its W136 line of four-cylinder automobiles, including the 170. Though widely popular before the war, it would be of utmost importance after the cessation of hostilities.
During the war, Mercedes-Benz was targeted heavily by American and British bombing. The company's production sites were bombed and went through great destruction. However, the tooling for the 170 survived. The 170 would help revive Mercedes-Benz after the war.
The 170 featured a large rectangular-shaped chrome grille and two large round headlights to either side. To the side of the tall, narrow nose were heavily sculpted front wheel fenders that swept down into the narrow running boards on either side of the car.
The tall, narrow nose widened as it travelled aft toward the passenger compartment and often came with chrome trim along its rounded edges and side. The small, but comfortable passenger compartment featured a one-piece, flat windscreen, bench seating and small windshield wipers. The four-door sedan models worked upon a central hinge location, whereby the front doors opened backward and the rear doors opened forward.
The 170 would serve as the basis for such innovations as the economical 38 PS diesel engine. At the time, the diesel-powered 170 was only the world's third diesel-powered passenger car, but it was the first to be offered to the public since after the Second World War's end.
Because the tooling for the 170 was about the only complete set to have survived the war, all subsequent designs would share features with the 170, at least for a while. This was true when Mercedes-Benz introduced its model 220 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1951.
The model 220 featured a similar front grille. The tall, rounded rectangular design featured chrome accents around the meshed grille. However, one obvious design change catches the eye when comparing the two model cars. In an effort to achieve more modern styling, Mercedes-Benz moved the large, round headlights. The designers moved the headlights from right beside the grille, as with the 170, to the leading edge of the sculpted front wheel fenders.
Sold in a sedan, cabriolet and coupe models, the 220 was practically the same car from the headlights back. Even the chrome trim-work along the side of the wedge-shaped nose and waist of the car was practically the same.
While aesthetically the cars looked very similar, the engine that powered the model 220 provided the greatest difference between the models. The model 170 used four-cylinder petrol-powered or diesel engines. The model 220, however, saw Mercedes-Benz offer a 2.2-liter straight-6 engine capable of producing 80 hp.
Very simple, and yet elegant, the 220 came with a leather interior and either a three-speed column shift automatic or a four-speed manual transmission. Braking for the full-size car was accomplished through servo-assisted drums
The sedan version of the model 220 only lasted from 1951 until 1953. In 1953, the sedan was replaced by the W105/W180. Although the sedan was replaced by a subsequent model, the coupe and cabriolet model production lasted for another year and a half. All production of model 220s ceased by August 1955. By its end in 1955, over 18,500 model 220s had been built and helped serve as a strong foundation for Mercedes-Benz becoming the car manufacturer it is today.
Mercedes-Benz worked with what it had to help build a strong foundation for the future. Out of its model 170 and 220, Mercedes-Benz would be able to fashion such forward-thinking designs as the 300SL and CL-Class designs of today.
Sources:
'1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13421/Mercedes-Benz-220S.aspx). ConceptCarz: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13421/Mercedes-Benz-220S.aspx. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Mercedes-Benz W136', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 29 October 2010, 22:01 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercedes-Benz_W136&oldid=393685009 accessed 7 February 2011
Wikipedia contributors, 'Mercedes-Benz W187', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 21 October 2010, 18:26 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercedes-Benz_W187&oldid=392070058 accessed 7 February 2011By Jeremy McMullen
During the mid-1930s Mercedes-Benz introduced its W136 line of four-cylinder automobiles, including the 170. Though widely popular before the war, it would be of utmost importance after the cessation of hostilities.
During the war, Mercedes-Benz was targeted heavily by American and British bombing. The company's production sites were bombed and went through great destruction. However, the tooling for the 170 survived. The 170 would help revive Mercedes-Benz after the war.
The 170 featured a large rectangular-shaped chrome grille and two large round headlights to either side. To the side of the tall, narrow nose were heavily sculpted front wheel fenders that swept down into the narrow running boards on either side of the car.
The tall, narrow nose widened as it travelled aft toward the passenger compartment and often came with chrome trim along its rounded edges and side. The small, but comfortable passenger compartment featured a one-piece, flat windscreen, bench seating and small windshield wipers. The four-door sedan models worked upon a central hinge location, whereby the front doors opened backward and the rear doors opened forward.
The 170 would serve as the basis for such innovations as the economical 38 PS diesel engine. At the time, the diesel-powered 170 was only the world's third diesel-powered passenger car, but it was the first to be offered to the public since after the Second World War's end.
Because the tooling for the 170 was about the only complete set to have survived the war, all subsequent designs would share features with the 170, at least for a while. This was true when Mercedes-Benz introduced its model 220 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1951.
The model 220 featured a similar front grille. The tall, rounded rectangular design featured chrome accents around the meshed grille. However, one obvious design change catches the eye when comparing the two model cars. In an effort to achieve more modern styling, Mercedes-Benz moved the large, round headlights. The designers moved the headlights from right beside the grille, as with the 170, to the leading edge of the sculpted front wheel fenders.
Sold in a sedan, cabriolet and coupe models, the 220 was practically the same car from the headlights back. Even the chrome trim-work along the side of the wedge-shaped nose and waist of the car was practically the same.
While aesthetically the cars looked very similar, the engine that powered the model 220 provided the greatest difference between the models. The model 170 used four-cylinder petrol-powered or diesel engines. The model 220, however, saw Mercedes-Benz offer a 2.2-liter straight-6 engine capable of producing 80 hp.
Very simple, and yet elegant, the 220 came with a leather interior and either a three-speed column shift automatic or a four-speed manual transmission. Braking for the full-size car was accomplished through servo-assisted drums
The sedan version of the model 220 only lasted from 1951 until 1953. In 1953, the sedan was replaced by the W105/W180. Although the sedan was replaced by a subsequent model, the coupe and cabriolet model production lasted for another year and a half. All production of model 220s ceased by August 1955. By its end in 1955, over 18,500 model 220s had been built and helped serve as a strong foundation for Mercedes-Benz becoming the car manufacturer it is today.
Mercedes-Benz worked with what it had to help build a strong foundation for the future. Out of its model 170 and 220, Mercedes-Benz would be able to fashion such forward-thinking designs as the 300SL and CL-Class designs of today.
Sources:
'1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13421/Mercedes-Benz-220S.aspx). ConceptCarz: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13421/Mercedes-Benz-220S.aspx. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Mercedes-Benz W136', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 29 October 2010, 22:01 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercedes-Benz_W136&oldid=393685009 accessed 7 February 2011
Wikipedia contributors, 'Mercedes-Benz W187', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 21 October 2010, 18:26 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercedes-Benz_W187&oldid=392070058 accessed 7 February 2011By Jeremy McMullen
 |  |  | Convertible Chassis Num: 0343152 |
| Sold for $154,000 at 2007 RM Auctions. | |||
Mercedes-Benz handled the coachwork for the 220 Series and outfitted with elegance and luxury in keeping with the companies tradition. With the help of Max Hoffman, the cars sold well, with over 16,000 built during the three-year production lifespan. Two-thousand were given additional luxury appointments and fitted with attractive open coachwork bodies.
This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A Cabriolet was offered for sale at the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $80,000 - $110,000. It was offered without reserve. It was treated to a restoration in 1992 and still shows well today. The exterior paint is burgundy with a matching tan convertible top. The interior features bucket seats in the front and a folding bench in the rear. There is factory fitted luggage, a four-speed column-mounted shifter, and a proven six-cylinder engine. It was shown at Meadow Brook Hall's Concours d'Elegance and is a brilliant example of the legendary Mercedes-Benz marque. At auction, the high bid quickly surpassed the estimated value, reaching $154,000 including buyer's premium. The lot was sold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
 |  |  | Sedan-Delivery Lieferwagen |
After World War II, German businesses desperately needed commercial vehicles to help rebuild. So in 1946, the first post-war production Mercedes-Benzes were actually simple light-duty vans and pick-up trucks based on the pre-war 170 sedan chassis. But by 1951, when the new 220 came along, demand for this type of vehicle had diminished to where only about two dozen 'cab only' chassis were built. This 220 chassis was originally delivered to a building materials company, as a panel van.
Autenrieth Karrosserie was founded in 1921 and was in business until 1964. No other examples of this body are known. The vehicle was first delivered in October of 1952 to building material business based in Dortmund, Germany. It was exported in 1971 and was discovered on the west coast in the late 1990s. It has been completely restored by the owners in the facility, Europe Macchina.
 |  |  | Cabriolet B |
The 220 engine is a 134 cubic-inch, 2195cc, single overhead cam straight 6 that develops 80 horsepower and can achieve a top speed of 87 miles-per-hour.
The current mileage is 450,000 - this car is driven regularly. The car is named 'Troidl' and has been in the current owner's family since 1958.
 |  |  | Cabriolet A |
The A is a two-window, four passenger model, while the slightly larger B a four-window, four- or five-passenger car. Mercedes-Benz produced 18,514 W187s before the model was changed in 1955, with just 1,278 of these dashing and stylish cabriolet A, making this vehicle quite rare today.
The car features a 2.2-liter, 6-cylinder gasoline engine making 80 horsepower at 4600 RPM, capable of reaching 90 mph. It has a four-speed manual transmission, timing adjustable from the dashboard, and a pedal operated central lubrication system. With a heavy steel and wood frame, this 220 weighs a substantial 3,124 pounds. The sleek styling of the Cabriolet A includes chrome bumpers, two small independently mounted headlamps, a large crisply angled grille for airflow, and two larger integral headlamps.
The W187 was based upon the pre-war 170 series, and still required much handwork on the body, assembly and wooden frame. Higher volume models in the Mercedes line were converting to all-steel production by this time.
This particular car has been in the owner's family for nearly 40 years and underwent a complete restoration in 2004. Much sheet metal was replaced; parts of the ash frame required rebuilding with imported German wood and all of the chrome was renewed. Many rubber bushings and metal fasteners, long unavailable, were custom made for this restoration. The result is a wonderfully restored period driver and an elegant show.
 |  |  | Cabriolet B Chassis Num: 220.187.0130707052 |
| Sold for $154,000 at 2013 Gooding & Company. | |||
The 220 was produced in both a sedan and Cabriolet version. Additionally, a small number of coupes were built. The Cabriolet was offered in two styles: the A, a two-passenger with a rear jump seat, and the B, a four-seater with rear quarter windows. The Cabriolet B featured an all-metal subframe. The interior trim copied that of the sedan with an ash dash top. The wood was not stained but varnished.
The Mercedes-Benz 220 was the last model to have suicide doors.
This 220 Cabriolet B was purchased in 1982 by Richard St. John of Seattle, Washington. The car was then treated to a restoration which lasted three years. After the work was completed, the car was entered in the 1986 Mercedes-Benz Club event at Chateau St. Michell in Woodinville, Washington, where it won Best of Show. Later that summer, the Mercedes-Benz was shown at the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance in Oregon where it won its class. It was invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance for the 100-year celebration of the automobile and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz. The 220 Cabriolet B won its class.
The car was later sold and has since remained in the Pacific Northwest as a member of two notable collections.
The car is finished in the correct Tobacco Brown over biscuit leather. It has a rare rear spare carrier that pivots down to gain access to the luggage compartment. The overhead cam engine has a dual-downdraft Solex 30 PAAJ carburetor and produces 80 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes.
In 2013, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $130,000 - $160,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $154,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
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 1952
Mercedes-Benz
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| 1951 220 Series |
