Introductie en historie Mercedes-Benz W187
Introduction and History of the Mercedes-Benz W187 Series (Model 220)
The Mercedes-Benz W187, marketed as the Mercedes-Benz 220, was introduced in 1951 and produced until 1955. It was the first postwar Mercedes-Benz model to carry a six-cylinder engine, marking the brand’s return to building refined, performance-oriented luxury cars after World War II.
Positioned above the four-cylinder W136 170 series, the W187 was aimed at professionals, executives, and dignitaries seeking understated elegance and modern engineering.
Historical Background
By the early 1950s, Daimler-Benz was eager to return to the luxury car market. After restarting passenger car production with the smaller W136 series, the company unveiled the W187 as a higher-end sedan that would serve as a bridge between prewar grandeur and postwar innovation.
The W187 debuted at the 1951 Frankfurt International Motor Show, alongside the prestigious 300 (W186), and helped establish Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for quality and engineering excellence in the rapidly recovering European market.
Technical Highlights
Engine: The W187 featured the newly developed M180 2.2-liter inline-6 engine
Output: 80 PS (79 hp) at 4,600 rpm
Top speed: approx. 140 km/h (87 mph)
Chassis: Modified version of the W136 platform
Suspension: Independent front and swing axle rear suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes all around
Transmission: 4-speed manual (column shift)
This combination offered excellent ride comfort, reliability, and adequate performance for long-distance touring.
Body Variants
The W187 was available in several body styles, all manufactured with great craftsmanship and attention to detail:
▪ 220 Limousine (Saloon/Sedan)
Four-door
Most common body style
Conservative, formal design with upright grille
▪ 220 Cabriolet A
Two-seater convertible with luxury trim
Very rare and exclusive
Only 1,278 units built
▪ 220 Cabriolet B
Four-seater convertible
More practical and slightly less expensive than the A version
▪ 220 Coupé (introduced in 1954)
Stylish two-door fixed-roof model
Even rarer than the Cabriolet A
Only 85 units produced
Production Numbers
| Variant | Years | Units Built |
|---|---|---|
| 220 Limousine | 1951–1954 | 16,154 |
| 220 Cabriolet A | 1951–1955 | 1,278 |
| 220 Cabriolet B | 1951–1955 | 997 |
| 220 Coupé | 1954–1955 | 85 |
| Total | ~18,500 |
Market and Reputation
The W187 was highly regarded for its:
Build quality
Smooth inline-6 engine
Comfortable ride
Timeless styling
It quickly became a popular choice among doctors, lawyers, company directors, and politicians in Germany and abroad.
While not as large or powerful as the W186 300 series, it offered most of the luxury at a lower price point, making it a practical and elegant executive car.
Legacy
The W187 set the stage for the future 220 and S-Class models, beginning a long tradition of six-cylinder luxury sedans in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
It introduced the M180 engine family, which would power many Mercedes-Benz vehicles for decades.
The Cabriolet A and Coupé variants are now highly sought after by collectors for their rarity, beauty, and handcrafted details.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz W187 (220) was a landmark vehicle in the brand’s postwar recovery — the company’s first six-cylinder passenger car after WWII and a precursor to future luxury sedans. Elegant, understated, and finely engineered, it symbolized the return of German automotive excellence and laid the groundwork for Mercedes-Benz’s modern luxury identity.