Arriving barely 6 years after the cessation of hostilities in Europe, the 220 range heralded Mercedes’ return to volume production.
Mercedes-Benz 220
187 series (1951 to 1954)
At the first Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) held in April 1951, Daimler-Benz presented the 220 model in addition to the 300 model, which was positioned as a representational vehicle. Both offered completely new six-cylinder engines with overhead camshaft. Aside from its 2.2-liter engine with 80 hp (59 kW), the 220 was largely based on the 170 S. Running gear and body were almost identical, though with the headlamps now integrated into the specially modified front fenders. In keeping with its appreciably increased output, the front wheels of the 220 were fitted with duplex brakes.
Chief engineer Fritz Nallinger said in a report dated 1951: “The perfectly balanced six-cylinder engine also benefits from a vibration damper and is cradled gently in the chassis by large rubber pads, and since it operates silently and without vibration at any speed, driving this economical and comfortable touring car is not just pleasurable but a delightful event on any occasion.”
The 220 went into series production in July 1951 and like the 170 S it came in three body variants: saloon, convertible A and convertible B. The two convertibles, positioned as sporty touring cars of an exclusive nature, succeeded the corresponding versions of the 170 S, for which production came to an end in November 1951.
Coachwork for all tastes
In addition to the aforementioned body variants, which were available to anyone well-heeled enough to be able to afford one, between August 1952 and May 1953 a total of 41 open-topped touring cars were specially built for the police. At first sight this version revealed a striking similarity to the convertible B. But it differed in two significant respects: first, in that it was equipped with four doors, and secondly, typical for open-topped touring cars, it featured a soft-top without storm bars.
In addition, the 220 was also available as a chassis for special body variants. At Lueg in Bochum, for example, eight ambulances were built in October 1952, and the Binz firm of coachbuilders in Lorch built more than 30 radio police cars between October 1952 and July 1954 using the chassis of the 220.
220 convertible B offered four passenger comfort with open air touring.
A coupe is added
In November 1953 the convertible A was given a slightly curved rather than straight front windshield in order to accentuate further the sporty nature of this model. From December 1953 – as a result of a repeated insistence from certain prominent public figures – there came an additional body variant: A coupe which, in view of its price tag and the number of units built, became the most exclusive of the 200 versions. In terms of technology and styling, the coupe was based on the convertible A, and from April 1954 onwards both variants were fitted with a more powerful, higher-compression 85 hp (63 kW) engine, a unit that had been developed for the 220 a, the successor model produced from June 1954.
The coupe variation was rather stylish and featured an optional steel sunroof.
The W187 series in the press
Auto, Motor und Sport, Germany, issue 23/1951, on the Mercedes-Benz 220: “For the first time the 220 has combined within the shell of a relatively fuel-efficient vehicle above-average ride safety, sports car temperament and the comfort and solid respectability of a luxury car.”
ADAC-Motorwelt, Germany, November 1951, on the Mercedes-Benz 220: “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.”
Automobil Revue, Switzerland, volume 5/1952, on the Mercedes-Benz 220: “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.”
photography and text/daimler ag and unknown
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