Mercedes-Benz 220
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
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 litre 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.