Mercedes-Benz 220 Classic Cars for Sale

Mercedes-Benz 220 is a model used to designate some automobiles from the division of German car manufacturer, Daimler. The first was the Mercedes-Benz 220 W187 that was launched in 1951 and the list in the series was introduced between 1959 and 1968.

Mercedes-Benz 220 W 187 1951 to 1954

Daimler-Benz launched the 220 W187 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in April. It was in the executive car size range, available in notchback coupe, 4-door sedan and convertible. A huge part of this first Mercedes-Benz 220 was based on the 170 S. The biggest difference was in the 2.2L 80hp engine. It also had some modifications to the front fender where the headlamps were integrated. The Mercedes-Benz 220 saloon was last produced in 1954.

Mercedes-Benz 220a, 220S, 220SE (W 180, 128) – 1954 to 1959

At the Geneva Motor Show in 1954, the next Mercedes-Benz 220 was launched. The new 220a was similar to the 180 model in terms of the body design. The Mercedes-Benz 220 was a full-size luxury car. This production was the first in the Mercedes range to have a low-pivot point, single-joint swing axle that was initially meant for the Formula One Racing Car, W 196. It was also the pioneer of the six-cylinder system. There was also the self-supporting pontoon-shaped body that gave the series the nickname, “Ponton”. The 220a also came with turbo cooling on all wheels, an enhanced braking system and ribbed brake drums. After two years, with 25, 937 units of the 220 a produced, Mercedes introduced the successor, the 220S. Although identical in the exterior components, the 220S came with twin carburettors usage, meaning that it needed an engine upgrade. Also, it had a one piece front bumper as opposed to three. Mercedes then added a Cabriolet (two doors, four seats) in July 1956 and then a coupé in October. Then came the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 128) in 1958, which was available in coupé, limousine and cabriolet.

Mercedes-Benz 220 b, 220 Sb, 220 SEb

In 1959, Mercedes launched three new models to replace the previous ones. The models were the 220b, 220Sb and 220SEb. All of them came equipped with a 2195 cc six-cylinder engine. With this new models, Mercedes focused on providing better safety with the rigid passenger cell by automobile safety engineer, Barényi. The Mercedes-Benz 220SEb was the superior of the range with its Bosch fuel injection, giving 120hp at 4800 rpm. For the 220Sb, the car had twin carburettors giving 110hp at 5000- rpm while the 220b produced 95hp at 4800 rpm.

Design History

Mercedes-Benz gained fame for its luxury-class vehicle after the world war. The Ponton-body style was especially profitable for the German automaker. In 1956, the company focused more on producing a car that provided comfort and safety for drivers and passengers. It improved driver visibility by widening the Ponton cabin. The use of retractable seatbelts and crumple zones enhanced the safety of many models including the Mercedes-Benz 220.