1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet B

After World War II, Mercedes-Benz emerged with just one production automobile platform, the 170. In 1951, the 170 was adapted to a new production automobile. Internally, the model was named the W187, which was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in April of 1951. The new luxury car was powered by a 6-cylinder engine and was offered as a sedan, coupe and cabriolet, all bearing the 220-model designation. The immediate post-war period had dictated the exclusive use of a 4-cylinder engine in passenger cars until 1951, but the 220, and the 300 model introduced simultaneously, became the first post-war Mercedes-Benz models powered by inline-6 engines. Two models of cabriolet were available: the two-door, two-seat 220A and the sporty two-door, four-seat 220B. From 1951 through 1954, Mercedes produced 994 examples of the 220B.

This particular example is a low-mileage example that has just 16,700 miles on its odometer. It was purchased from a German owner in 1967 by an American military veteran of the Vietnam war, who shipped it to Long Beach, California, and then to Hawaii. The current owners completed a frame-off restoration of the car using mostly original parts. The car is still powered by its original 2.2-liter engine backed by a 4-speed column-shift transmission. It is finished in Mercedes Blue with a matching Blue top, and is fitted with a Burgundy leather interior highlighted by wood trim, excellent chrome and bright work and the original radio and wind-up clock. The carpeted trunk carries a set of body color-matching luggage, the original tool kit and a spare wheel and tire that match the car's wide Whitewall radials.