1953 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A (W187)
- Engine
- 2.2L inline-six, ~86 bhp
- Colour
- Light blue
The Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet A (W187 chassis) was the first entirely new postwar model from Daimler-Benz, produced in extremely limited numbers between 1951 and 1955. This particular example was exhibited by Mercedes-Benz at the 1953 Turin Auto Show and subsequently owned by Italian actor Alberto Sordi, then by American actor James Mitchum, who brought it to California. After decades of private ownership in the United States, it was fully restored in the Netherlands by specialist Jürgen Schoenmakers.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$156,800
- → 1953Factory deliveryMercedes-Benz (factory display)partial documentation
Vehicle was exhibited by the manufacturer at the Turin Auto Show in 1953 prior to retail sale.
- 1967 →Private saleJames Mitchumpartial documentation
American actor who purchased the car from Sordi in Italy, possibly during his father Robert Mitchum's filming there; subsequently transported the vehicle to California.
- → 2006Private saleRobert Hopkinspartial documentation
Visalia, California resident who drove the car regularly for roughly eight years, then kept it in storage from around 1994–1995 until 1998, later undertaking cosmetic and mechanical work and researching its early history with help from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center and AAA.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownAlberto Sordipartial documentation
Italian film actor who owned the car in Italy following the factory display period.
- Date unknownPrivate saleLex Classicspartial documentation
Historic vehicle dealership in the Netherlands that commissioned a full restoration by restorer Jürgen Schoenmakers in Oss before reselling the car.
- Date unknownPrivate saleEuropean consignorpartial documentation
Current owner who acquired the car after the Lex Classics restoration; offering it at auction.
Competition
- 19531953 Turin Auto Show
Car was displayed on the manufacturer's stand at this Italian motor show, representing a factory exhibit rather than a competitive entry.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1998Service
General recommissioning work to return the car to roadworthy condition after several years in storage, supported by receipts for typical refurbishment expenditure.
Carried out under Robert Hopkins's ownership.
- 2006Mechanical
Extensive mechanical and cosmetic repair work undertaken, including repainting the bodywork in a period-appropriate light blue shade.
Initiated by Robert Hopkins; historical research into the car's provenance was conducted concurrently with assistance from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, and the American Automobile Association.
- —RestorationJürgen Schoenmakers
Complete ground-up restoration carried out in the Netherlands, encompassing a repaint in light blue, full renewal of the blue leather interior with ivory piping, replacement of the folding roof with dark blue fabric, and rechroming of exterior brightwork. Engine bay and suspension also addressed to a high standard.
Commissioned by Lex Classics prior to selling the car; workshop located in Oss, Netherlands. The rear jump seat upholstery may have been retained from an earlier period.
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