1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet B

For Mercedes-Benz, post-war production had been limited by the destruction of all factory tooling except for that used for the 170 model line. The new 220 Mercedes-Benz was introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show and was a redesigned variant of the 170. The most visual changes to the styling was the more modern headlight arrangement. The chassis, however, had been greatly enhanced with the installation of the 2.2-liter six-cylinder motor, a big improvement over the 170's four-cylinder.

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