Highlights

One of only 1,278 W187 Cabriolet A examples produced between 1951 and 1955
Presented in its original factory colour combination of blue over grey leather, as confirmed by the accompanying factory build data
Part of a collection, with previous owner since 2016
Accompanied by a copy of the factory build sheet, period-correct Mädler luggage, jack, and spare wheel

The Appeal

Introduced alongside the legendary 300 "Adenauer" at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz W187 220 A Cabriolet was among the first post-war models from Stuttgart to feature a sophisticated overhead-cam straight-six engine. With its graceful Sindelfingen coachwork and refined mechanical underpinnings, the Cabriolet A represented the pinnacle of open-top motoring in the early 1950s. Just 1,278 were built over a four-year production run, and survivors are increasingly prized by collectors worldwide.

This example was completed on 18th March 1952 and dispatched by train to Philipsons in Stockholm, where it was registered in time for the Swedish summer. The car has passed through a modest number of owners over more than seven decades, with just four additional registered keepers recorded before it joined the last private collection in 2016. Held on a Bulgarian Title and registered as a 1953 model year, this is a rare and highly appealing early post-war Mercedes-Benz cabriolet, well-suited for display, prestigious rallies, or cross-continental grand touring.

History and Paperwork

Completed on 18 March 1952 and delivered new to Philipsons in Stockholm, Sweden on 21 April 1952
Registered in Sweden on 30 May 1952
Four additional registered keepers recorded before joining the vendor's collection in 2016
Bulgarian Title
33,792 km (indicated, unwarranted)
Copy of the factory build sheet included
History file documents an engine overhaul completed in 1991
Currently fitted with a replacement engine unit of the correct original type

The Condition

Presented in blue with grey leather upholstery: the original factory colour combination as confirmed by the build data
Matching colours throughout
Coachwork by Sindelfingen
The vendor describes the car as an authentic and elegant example
Period-correct Mädler luggage, jack, and spare wheel accompany the car
Folding pram hood demonstrated in working order

It's incredible to think that this Mercedes is now 74 years old. It certainly doesn't look it. That Sindelfingen coachwork is as elegant as ever, and this car's condition is impressive, as the photographs attest. The bodywork presents as straight and solid, while the paintwork and brightwork are glossy and bright. The vendor demonstrates the folding pram hood to be in good working order, while the wheels look fantastic with their whitewall tyres. The interior is similarly smart, with very good woodwork and a gentle patina of use to the leather, commensurate with the car's considerable age.

The Mechanics

2.2-litre M180 overhead-cam inline-six engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Top speed of approximately 145 km/h noted in period
Fitted with a replacement engine unit of the correct original type

These cars were purpose-built for crossing continents, geared for cruising and designed to be as smooth as Mercedes-Benz's engineers could muster. Fitted with a replacement M180 engine of the correct original type, we're informed that this 220 Cabriolet runs and drives very well, ready for the grand touring season ahead.

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