1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Saloon
Registration no. KXS 520
Chassis no. 1870110154252
Engine no. 01557/52
•Left-hand drive
•Present ownership since December 2018
•An older restoration
•Engine rebuilt by Jim Stokes Workshops Limited in 2020/2021

Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in April 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 220 was in effect a six-cylinder version of the 170 S on the same 2,845mm wheelbase chassis. The first of this line – the four-cylinder, 1.7-litre 170V – had been introduced back in 1936 and formed the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production in the immediate post-war years. Running gear was state-of-the-art at the time, comprising an oval-tube backbone-type chassis, swing-axle independent rear suspension, transverse-leaf IFS and hydraulic brakes. Introduced in May 1949, the outwardly similar 170 S came with a 1,767cc engine equipped with an aluminium-alloy cylinder head. The suspension too had undergone considerable development, a thoroughly modern double wishbone/coil spring design being adopted at the front, while at the rear the track was widened and telescopic shock absorbers fitted.

Although closely based on the 170 S, the 220 featured more modern styling up-dated with headlamps integrated into the wings. With 80bhp on tap courtesy of its 2.2-litre overhead-camshaft engine, the 220 saloon was good for a top speed of around 90mph, which The Motor found it could maintain indefinitely. According to The Motor: 'On the road performance is transformed and it quickly becomes apparent that, excellent as the Type 170 S was in its class, the 220 is in an altogether different category.
'Coupled with this increase in sheer speed is a remarkable standard of smoothness and engine silence...'

This 220 saloon was purchased from Carrusso Classic & Sportcars in the Netherlands in December 2018. The engine was rebuilt in 2020/2021 by Jim Stokes Workshops Limited at a cost of over £20,000; it has seen very little use since and will require some recommissioning. The car also benefits from a new fuel tank and battery (invoices on file). Additional documentation includes invoices and images of the JSWL engine rebuild; invoices for other parts bought from Niemoller and Heinz Christahl (£1,500); valuation reports from 2016 and 2018; a photographic record of a previous restoration; and a UK V5C Registration Certificate. Some carburettor spares, a spare key and a Mercedes-Benz 220 manual are included in the sale.


Buyer's Premium Notice: For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.

The condition report is comprised of a range of photos intended to show the cosmetic condition of the vehicle. This is not an engineers or mechanics report. If you would like to attend the sale to see the car in person or send a third party to inspect on your behalf, please contact the Motorcar Department.




For Condition Images, please use the below link:




https://we.tl/t-T5AxncQWTj




If you have any further questions about this lot or would like to discuss the vehicle in more detail, please contact the consigning Specialist for this lot at the details below:




Richard Stafford
+44 7799 555 681
richard.stafford@bonhams.com