Austrian manufacturer Steyr, renowned for crafting exceptional firearms, branched out into automobile production in 1915. The company’s first foray into the industry was the 120, a streamlined car fitted with a 1.4-liter, side-valve, six-cylinder engine in 1935. This model paved the way for the 220, which emerged two years later with a more powerful inline six-cylinder overhead-valve engine that boasted a much larger capacity of 2.3 liters.

The sleek, aerodynamic design was available in four body styles: five-passenger limousine, five-passenger cabriolet, and two different specially bodied cabriolets—both by Gläser Coachworks of Dresden, Germany—including this sporting example. The streamlined front fascia and steeply sloped grille are highly reminiscent of Alfa Romeo and Lancia models during that period, giving this car a unique and memorable presence.