1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S Saloon

Description

The W180 series, introduced initially as the 220 in June 1954 and in production until 1959 (as the 220S model) was part of the Ponton (German for pontoon) family of saloons that made up the bulk of Mercedes-Benz sales in the latter part of the 1950s. Sharing the same unitary construction and general styling as the four-cylinder Pontons, the six-cylinder models had a longer wheelbase, larger rear window and added chrome as befitted the prestigious nature of the model. The SOHC 2195cc engine had a new light-alloy cylinder head, new pistons and a higher compression ratio. For 1956, the 220 became the 220S with twin Solex carburettors and 100bhp peak power, giving genuine 100mph performance. An interesting - and popular - option was the Hydrak automatic clutch that gave two pedal control whilst retaining the four-speed manual gearbox, operated by pressure on the gearstick and a vacuum servo and torque converter controlling a normal clutch. The 220SE saw the first use of Bosch fuel injection on the six-cylinder engine but was built in tiny numbers. Interestingly the Ponton was the first Mercedes-Benz car assembled in Australia and Victorian premier Henry Bolte was pictured at the opening of the assembly line at Port Melbourne in March 1959 alongside the first 220S to roll off the line.