Mercedes Benz 220

Send This Page To A Friend
Mercedes

Mercedes Benz 220

1951 - 1956
Country:
Germany
Engine:
6 cyl. overhead cam
Capacity:
2195cc
Power:
80 bhp
Transmission:
4 spd. man
Top Speed:
87 mph / 141 km/h
Number Built:
44,451
Collectability:
3 star
Introduced after a showing at the Frankfurt Auto Show of 1951, production began in July of 1951.

Closely resembling the Mercedes 170S, the headlights were instead moved to the front fenders and the model featured much more elegant interior appointments.

The 2.2 liter motor used a specially balanced crankshaft making it extremely quiet, while the gearbox featured full syncromesh and was mounted on the steering column.

Such were the improvements to the motor and body (having over a 22 kilo weight reduction over the previous model), that the 220 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 21 seconds - quite fast for the day!

16,154 sedans were manufactured between 1951 and 1954, after which the slightly improved 220a model was introduced - and a further 25,937 of this model were made. 1954 was to be an important date in Mercedes history for more than just the upgrade of the 220.

It also marked Mercedes return to grand prix motor racing, with the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio taking two consecutive world titles in both 1954 and 1955 - ending the Italian dominance of the Ferraris and Maseratis.

As with any classic, the convertible is the most collectable and cherished, with only 2,360 being manufactured between 1951 and 1955.

Visitor Rating:

Also see:


Mercedes Benz 220 / 220a Specifications
Mercedes-Benz Heritage
back
Unique Cars and Parts USA - The Ultimate Classic Car Resource
next