1952 MERCEDES-BENZ 220A CABRIOLET German Registered. Chassis No. 187012-07158/52 Engine No. 180920-07336/52 Black with black hood and red leather interior Engine: six cylinder in-line, single overhead camshaft, 2,195cc, 80 bhp at 4,600rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive. Mercedes-Benz recommenced private car production in 1948, revamping their pre-war Type 170, which had been introduced as long ago as 1931. By 1951 Mercedes appeared to sweep away the austerity of those early post-war years and two new models appeared which made no attempt to be economy models. The cars, first shown at Frankfurt, were the 220 and 300. The 220 was based on a strengthened 170S cruciform chassis with wider track, powered by a new 2.2 litre six cylinder engine developing 80 bhp at 4600 rpm. Although it now had faired-in headlights and more room, the first 220 retained the dignified body styling of the 170, and in its performance and behaviour it established the character of other Mercedes to the expense of relatively modest torque at low engine revs. The 220's suspension was similar to that of the 170S, the coil and wishbone front end invariably being described in contemporary reports as a direct development of that on the pre-war Grand Prix cars. This car has had just three owners from new, the present owner acquiring it in 1989. He has researched the history including speaking with the original lady owner, and has been able to confirm that it has never been restored, and the mileage of 95,000km is believed to be original to the car. The vendor has preserved the remarkably original interior and paintwork. There is some minor corrosion beneath the drivers door, and a few areas of cracking to the paint, but the car has clearly been cherished all its life. For practicality of use the engine has been totally rebuilt, about 20,000km ago, by a former Mercedes-Benz mechanic and a stainless steel exhaust fitted. More recently the hood has been replaced in double-duck and the tyres renewed with a full set of crossplys. This Cabriolet combines the charm of patina with the sensible concessions to modern use in the form of mechanical restoration; in testament to this it is regularly used by the current owner and has successfully completed events such as the Rallye des Alpes. A very well preserved example it retains the original Telefunken radio, wood interior cappings, sun visors, and comes with period handbook and manual.