1957 Mercedes-Benz 219 'Ponton' Saloon

Description

A replacement for the 170 Series, the ‘Ponton’ (German for pontoon, a reference to the styling, which did away with separate wings) saloons were introduced in 1953 and remained the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production until the end of the decade. The first of the 'Ponton' models to go into production was the 1953 Mercedes-Benz W120, 1.8 L (110 cu in) four-cylinder, four-door sedan, available as the 180 petrol and the 180D diesel. In 1954 the Mercedes-Benz W180 six-cylinder executive / luxury model 220a was added, developed mostly by stretching the W120's body by 170 mm (6.7 in), complemented by a new rear suspension. 100 mm (3.9 in) was needed to fit the longer straight six engine block, and 70 mm (2.8 in) longer rear doors benefited legroom in the passenger cabin. In 1956, the six-cylinder model was expanded into an entire range. The 220a was upgraded to become the 220S. A third saloon series, the Mercedes-Benz W105 was created by grafting the six-cylinder nose onto the shorter center and rear body of the four-cylinder. Fitted with a detuned version of the straight-six, it was sold as the model 219. Additionally, new two-door coupe and convertible bodies were offered for the 220S, on a shortened wheelbase., the ‘Ponton’ was the first Mercedes-Benz car assembled in Australia. Victorian Premier Henry Bolte was pictured at the opening of the assembly line in Port Melbourne, alongside the first example to roll off the line. These beautifully made cars are truly a classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Production of the ‘Ponton’ continued until 1959.