1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 'Ponton' Saloon

Description

Introduced in September 1953, the Ponton (German for pontoon) saloons were the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production for the remainder of the decade.  Debuting as the 180, the Ponton marked Mercedes-Benz’s first move into unitary construction for a passenger car.  The benefits of this construction technique ranged from additional safety to more interior space and the body was a light, airy design, with a 40% increase in the glassed area.  An improved model badged the 190 was launched in 1956 using a detuned version of the overhead camshaft motor in the 190SL sports car fed by a single Solex carburettor along with a milder camshaft and valve timing.  Developing 75 horsepower, the 190 saw significant gains in performance over the old side-valve 180 and could reach a top speed of 86 mph.  Other welcome improvements were finned drum brakes and single-pivot swing axles.  The 190 was distinguished externally by a wider grille, chrome decoration on the air vents and a chrome spear down the flanks, plus front quarter windows, additional brightwork around the windows and rain gutters.  The front passenger door came with a key lock and the windscreen was laminated, while the 190’s interior benefited from twin sun visors, a heater blower unit, reading light and headlamp flasher.  The 190 proved hugely popular, both at home in Europe and in export markets, and was a significant model in laying the foundation for Daimler-Benz’ success over the ensuing decades.