Introduced in 1951, the W187 220 heralded the triumphant postwar return of traditional Mercedes-Benz excellence. Beneath elegant and dignified but distinctly prewar styling, the car concealed advanced contemporary engineering, including fully independent suspension, hydraulic brakes, and an overhead-camshaft engine, the latter being the marque’s first new six-cylinder in nearly 15 years. Handcrafted in limited numbers, it bridged old-world tradition and modern postwar design.

A truly exceptional example of the breed, this 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A showcases what is arguably the most elegantly proportioned and visually refined body style of the entire W187 range. Painstakingly restored over nearly a decade for a renowned collector of fine European automobiles and motorcycles – as well as an active presence on the Pebble Beach Concours scene – the refurbishment encompassed extensive mechanical and cosmetic work as detailed by dozens of documents and nearly 200 photographs on file.

Impressively documented, beautifully restored, and rare even when new, this 220 Cabriolet A embodies the craftsmanship, engineering ingenuity, and understated glamor that define the best of early postwar Mercedes-Benz. For the discerning collector, it offers not only provenance and presence, but a tangible connection to the moment Mercedes-Benz reestablished itself as a global standard-bearer.